Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, or salivary glands. Most of these cancers begin in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces of these areas, which is why they are often called head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer, representing about 6% of all cases worldwide. They usually occur due to long-term exposure from smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), poor oral hygiene, and prolonged sun exposure for lip cancer.

Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, mouth ulcers that don’t heal, swelling in the neck, unexplained bleeding, or ear pain are some of the common symptoms.

Treatment depends on the location and stage but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, making awareness of symptoms and risk factors crucial.