"The most common types of head and neck cancer occur in the lips, mouth, and larynx."
An overview of the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers, including treatment options such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Anatomy of head and neck: This covers the study of the bone structure, muscles, nerves, and blood supply of the head and neck region.
Pathology of head and neck cancers: Covers the types of cancers found in the head and neck region, their etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.
Imaging modalities: This includes the various imaging techniques used for the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancers.
Surgical management of head and neck cancers: This covers the different surgical approaches used to treat head and neck cancers, including neck dissection, glossectomy, laryngectomy, etc.
Radiation therapy: This covers the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancers.
Chemotherapy: This covers the use of chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of head and neck cancers.
Targeted therapy: This covers the use of targeted drugs in the treatment of head and neck cancers.
Rehabilitation and supportive care: This covers the various rehabilitation techniques used to help patients recover from head and neck cancer treatment.
Palliative care: This covers the care provided to patients with advanced head and neck cancers to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Multidisciplinary care: This covers the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the management of head and neck cancers.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A cancerous growth that presents in the surface layers of the skin, affecting tissue in the mouth, throat, and other head and neck regions.
Laryngeal Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the larynx or voice box.
Pharyngeal Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the pharynx or the throat.
Thyroid Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland in the neck.
Parathyroid Cancer: A rare type of cancer that affects the parathyroid glands located near the thyroid gland.
Salivary Gland Cancer: A rare type of cancer that affects the glands responsible for producing saliva.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the nasopharynx or the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Neck Tumors: Tumors that grow in the neck region, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and rare tumors.
"Symptoms predominantly include a sore that does not heal or a change in the voice."
"In those with advanced disease, there may be unusual bleeding, facial pain, numbness or swelling, and visible lumps on the outside of the neck or oral cavity. Given the location of these cancers, trouble breathing may also be present."
"The majority of head and neck cancer is caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, with increasing cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)."
"Other risk factors include the Epstein-Barr virus, betel quid, radiation exposure, and certain workplace exposures."
"The diagnosis is confirmed by a tissue biopsy. The degree of surrounding tissue invasion and distant spread may be determined by medical imaging and blood tests."
"Not using tobacco or alcohol can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer. The HPV vaccine may reduce the lifetime risk of oral cancer if taken prior to the onset of sexual activity."
"While screening in the general population does not appear to be useful, screening high-risk groups by examination of the throat might be useful."
"Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy."
"Previous diagnosis and treatment of one head and neck cancer confer a higher risk of developing a second head and neck cancer or recurrence."
"Globally, head and neck cancer accounts for 650,000 new cases of cancer and 330,000 deaths annually on average."
"In 2018, it was the seventh most common cancer worldwide, with 890,000 new cases documented and 450,000 people dying from the disease."
"In the United States, head and neck cancer makes up 3% of all cancer cases (averaging 53,000 new diagnoses per year) and 1.5% of cancer deaths."
"Notably, head and neck cancer secondary to chronic alcohol or tobacco use has been steadily declining as less of the population chronically smokes tobacco."
"This increase since the 1970s has mostly affected wealthier nations and male populations. This is due to evidence suggesting that transmission rates of HPV from women to men are higher than from men to women."
"The usual age at diagnosis is between 55 and 65 years old."
"The average 5-year survival following diagnosis in the developed world is 42–64%."
"The majority of head and neck cancer is caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, with increasing cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)."
"Other risk factors include... certain workplace exposures."
"The HPV vaccine may reduce the lifetime risk of oral cancer if taken prior to the onset of sexual activity."