Download Head and Neck Cancer: The Basics

Head and Neck Cancer: The Basics
Head and neck cancer is caused by cells growing out of control. As the number if cells grow, they form into a tumor. There are
many different areas that make up the head and neck, and cancers are grouped by the area in which they occur. Cancers in
one area are treated similarly:
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Oral cavity: includes the lips, front part of the tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, parts of the gum line, and the inside
lining of the cheeks.
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Nasopharynx: the areas of pharynx (throat) behind the nose and the lining of the nose.
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The sinuses (hollow spaces in the bones of the head) and the nasal cavity (open space inside the nose).
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Salivary glands are found in the bottom of the mouth and produce saliva.
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Oropharynx: area of the pharynx (throat) behind the mouth, the soft part of the roof of the mouth, tonsils, and the base of
the tongue.
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Hypopharynx: the area of the pharynx (throat) below the oropharynx down to the esophagus (tube that food goes down).
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Larynx: the voice box and the epiglottis, which are in front of the hypopharynx.
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Parts of the ear including the external auditory canal, middle and inner ear.
Head and neck cancer that has spread from one part of the head and neck to any other part of the body is called metastatic
cancer.
Risk Factors
Head and neck cancers are caused primarily by tobacco and alcohol use. This includes both smoke and smokeless types of
tobacco. Other risk factors include:
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Infection with certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Head and Neck cancers caused by HPV is becoming
more common, particularly among oropharyngeal cancers.
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Diet high in salt-cured foods
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Chronic sun exposure to the lip
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Exposure to substances including asbestos, second hand smoke, radiation and wood dust
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Inactive infection with the Epstein Barr virus
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Poor oral health
Screening
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The
information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a
substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or have questions or concerns about the
medication that you have been prescribed, you should consult your health care provider.
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There are currently no specific screening tests recommended for early detection of head and neck cancers, though your
dentist will examine your oral cavity and tongue for suspicious areas during a routine dental exam.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer depend on where the tumor is located. Symptoms can include:
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Weight loss from having trouble swallowing food
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A new lump or sore that doesn’t go away
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Sore throat
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Change in voice
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Pain
Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer
If your healthcare provider suspects head and neck cancer, they will order tests to examine the inside and the outside of your
head and neck. Tests may include:
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Endoscopy uses an endoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera on it. It is inserted into the nose or down the throat to
look at and biopsy any suspicious areas.
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CT scan ("Cat Scan", a 3-D x-ray)
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MRI
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PET scan
Staging for Head and Neck Cancer
To guide treatment, lung cancer is "staged." This stage is based on:
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Size and location of the tumor
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Whether cancer cells are in the lymph nodes
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Whether cancer cells are in other areas of the body
Stages range from stage I (smallest, most confined tumors) to stage IV (tumors that have spread to other areas of the body,
also called metastatic cancer). The stage and type of cancer will guide your treatment plan.
Treatment
Head and neck cancers are treated in a variety of ways depending on where the tumor is, the stage of the tumor, and how
healthy the patient is. In general, the following treatments may be used:
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Surgery with the goal of removing the entire tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. These surgeries can be
challenging and may require reconstruction to maintain function.
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The
information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a
substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or have questions or concerns about the
medication that you have been prescribed, you should consult your health care provider.
Information Provided By: www.oncolink.org | © 2017 Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania
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Radiation uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery and/or chemotherapy.
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Chemotherapy is the use of medication to kill cancer cells. It may be given with radiation to help the radiation work better,
which is called radiosensitization.
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Targeted therapies (another type of medication) can be used in squamous cell head and neck cancers.
This article is a basic guide to head and neck cancer. You can learn more about your type of cancer and treatment by using
the links below.
All About Head and Neck Cancers
Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancers
Side Effect Management and Support Resources
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The
information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a
substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or have questions or concerns about the
medication that you have been prescribed, you should consult your health care provider.
Information Provided By: www.oncolink.org | © 2017 Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania