The types of cancer that are called "head and neck cancer" usually exclude brain cancer. Sometimes called ENT (ear, nose and throat) cancers, these cancers include tumors found in the following areas:

• The oral cavity: lips, tongue, teeth, gums, mouth
• The oropharynx: the back third of the tongue, the back of the throat and the tonsils
• The nasopharynx: the area behind the nose
• The larynx: voice box and vocal cords

Oral and laryngeal cancers are the most frequently occurring cancer of the head and neck area. About half of head and neck cancers occur in the oral cavity and a third occur in the larynx. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 40,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck area a year.

Symptoms
Typical symptoms of head and neck cancer include a lump or sore (for example, in the mouth) that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing and a change or hoarseness in the voice.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless tobacco)
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to the sun

Evaluation & Treatment

The specific diagnostic tests used for each case depends on the location of the tumor and may include:

• Complete physical examination of the oral and nasal cavities
• Laryngoscopy
• X-rays 
• CT scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
• Biopsy

The choice of treatment depends on the location and size of the tumor, and whether it has spread to other areas. Radiation and surgery are the primary types of first line treatment.

Innovative Cancer Research

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