Head and neck cancers constitute a diverse group of malignancies affecting the structures in the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. These cancers often share common risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, as well as infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
One subset of head and neck cancers is oral cavity cancer, which can manifest in the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth lining. Linked to tobacco, alcohol, and HPV, oral cavity cancers are typically treated with surgery, radiation, and occasionally chemotherapy. Pharyngeal cancers, occurring in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx, are associated with similar risk factors. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy as potential components.
Laryngeal cancer affects the vocal cords and other parts of the larynx, with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as primary risk factors. Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy. Nasal and sinus cancers, occurring in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, may be influenced by occupational exposures and genetic factors. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, with radiation or chemotherapy as additional options.