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Head and neck cancer

Cancer is a condition that leads the body’s cells to multiply uncontrollably. Without including brain or eye tumors, the head and neck tumors encompass cancers that begin in many locations in the head and throat.

Head and neck cancer occurrence

More than 30 different regions of the head and neck can develop cancer, including the following:

  • Lips and mouth
  • larynx
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Salivary glands
  • Nose and sinuses
  • Back of nose and mouth (nasopharynx)

Head and neck cancer Symptoms

Mouth cancer can lead to,

  • A gum, tongue, or mouth lining sore is white or red and does not heal.
  • Inflammation of the jaw.
  • Unusual bleeding or mouth ache.
  • Thickening or a bump.
  • Difficulties with dentures.

Cancer can develop at the pharynx (back of the mouth)

  • Difficulty speaking or breathing
  • Thickening or a bump
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing food
  • Throat discomfort that won’t go away
  • Hearing problems or ringing in the ears

Cancer in the voice box (larynx) can lead

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ears hurt

Cancer can develop by the sinuses and nasal cavities

  • Nasal blockages that don’t clear
  • Infections that are resistant to antibiotic therapy
  • through the nose bleeding
  • Headaches
  • Swelling and discomfort near the eyes
  • The teeth on the upper jaw hurt
  • Difficulties with dentures
Cancer can develop at the pharynx (back of the mouth)

Head and neck cancers causes

Significant risk aspects for head and neck cancers include;

  • Alcohol and cigarette use
  • Cancers in the oropharynx are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus
  • The leading cause of cancer on the lips is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which includes exposure to the sun and artificial UV rays from tanning beds

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022