Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region. Most begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces of the mouth, throat, and voice box, and are called head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).
Common types
These cancers can occur in the:
Oral cavity (lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, hard palate)
Pharynx (throat)
Nasopharynx (behind the nose)
Oropharynx (tonsils and base of the tongue)
Hypopharynx (lower throat)
Larynx (voice box)
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Salivary glands (less common and often different types of cancer)
Risk factors
Major risk factors include:
-Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco)
-Alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco
-Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly for cancers of the oropharynx
-Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), especially for nasopharyngeal cancer
-Excessive sun exposure (for lip cancer)
-Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation
-Occupational exposure to wood dust, nickel, asbestos, or certain chemicals
-Increasing age (though HPV-related cancers are increasingly seen in younger adults)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves:
-Medical history and physical examination
-Endoscopy to examine the throat and voice box
-Biopsy (required to confirm cancer)
-Imaging such as CT, MRI, PET-CT, or ultrasound
-HPV or EBV testing for certain cancers
Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. If you're asking because you or someone you know has symptoms or has been diagnosed with a specific head and neck cancer, book a consultation with specialsit Dr. Makarand Bhole on 08048032536.
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Common types
These cancers can occur in the:
Oral cavity (lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, hard palate)
Pharynx (throat)
Nasopharynx (behind the nose)
Oropharynx (tonsils and base of the tongue)
Hypopharynx (lower throat)
Larynx (voice box)
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Salivary glands (less common and often different types of cancer)
Risk factors
Major risk factors include:
-Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco)
-Alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco
-Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly for cancers of the oropharynx
-Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), especially for nasopharyngeal cancer
-Excessive sun exposure (for lip cancer)
-Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation
-Occupational exposure to wood dust, nickel, asbestos, or certain chemicals
-Increasing age (though HPV-related cancers are increasingly seen in younger adults)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves:
-Medical history and physical examination
-Endoscopy to examine the throat and voice box
-Biopsy (required to confirm cancer)
-Imaging such as CT, MRI, PET-CT, or ultrasound
-HPV or EBV testing for certain cancers
Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. If you're asking because you or someone you know has symptoms or has been diagnosed with a specific head and neck cancer, book a consultation with specialsit Dr. Makarand Bhole on 08048032536.
Head and Neck Cancer specialist in Thane
Cancer Doctor in Thane
Cancer specialist
Best cancer doctor in Thane
Best Oncologist in Thane
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