Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe cancers that originate in the head or neck area. Cancers of the head and neck are often identified by the site in which they originate.

Traditionally, sites of head and neck cancer include:

• Oral cavity (mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, tonsils and mouth floor)
• Salivary glands
• Nasal cavity / paranasal sinuses / nasopharynx
• Throat / pharynx
• Larynx / voice box

Tumors treated include, but are not limited to those of the:

• Upper aerodigestive tract, including mouth, jaw, throat and larynx
• Thyroid
• Skin of the head and neck, including melanoma
• Salivary glands
• Nose and paranasal sinuses
• Ear and temporal bone
• Neck and metastases to the neck
• Sarcomas of the head and neck
• Tumors of the skull base
• Head and neck tumors in children
• Otolaryngologic maladies in patients with tumors elsewhere in the body

Symptoms

Symptoms of head and neck cancers vary by cancer type. General symptoms may include:

• Swelling, soreness, pain (face, throat, neck, mouth, etc.)
• Sores that don’t heal or lumps that don’t go away
• Paralysis on one side of the face
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• A change or hoarseness in the voice

Having one or more of the symptoms listed above does not necessarily mean you have a head and neck cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may indicate other health problems.