Head and neck cancer develops from tissues in the mouth, larynx (throat), salivary glands, nose, sinuses or the skin of the face. Symptoms predominantly include a sore that does not heal or a change in the voice.Some may experience a sore throat that does not go away. 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 Epstein-Barr virus, betel quid, radiation exposure, certain workplace exposures.About 90% are pathologically classified as squamous cell cancers.The diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy.The degree of surrounding tissue invasion and distant spread may be determined by medical imaging and blood tests.
