Head and Neck Cancer

HEAD AND NECK cancer refers to a number of malignancies (nonbenign, invasive, and spreading tumors) that may originate in the mouth (oral cavity), salivary glands, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, larynx (Adam's apple), throat (pharynx), cervical lymph nodes of the neck, or skin of the face and neck.

Most cancers of the head and neck manifest as squamous cell carcinomas, which are malignant tumors that develop in the epithelium tissue, lining the exterior and interior bodily cavities as well as the lumen of organs and blood vessels. These tumors have the potential to metastasize (spread from the original spot to new body sites) throughout the head and neck and to nearby organs if not found in time.

In head and neck cancer, cells that normally repair and reproduce in a controlled fashion begin to divide and grow uncontrollably, forming a lump (tumor) in the epithelial layer of the skin and/or various mucous membranes. This type of cancer is characterized by reddish and scaly skin that may eventually present as an open sore.

Head and neck cancers are among the few cancers that can be diagnosed properly, as specific causes for presenting symptoms can usually be identified. Individuals with head and neck cancer may present with symptoms such as a persistent pain in the throat, a sensation of pain or difficulty when swallowing, a change in voice, persistent pain in the ear, and/or bleeding in the mouth or throat.

In screening for head and cancer, the physician will ask about the patient's general medical history, perform a physical exam, and order laboratory tests if appropriate. Any suspected cancerous lesions or tumors will be biopsied and sent to a pathologist for histological examination and a microscopic anatomical inspection, examining for the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment for head and neck cancer, like that for any other form of cancer, is tailored to the specific needs and general health of each individual, as well as the size, location, and stage of tumor spread. Therapy and management of head and neck cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, although new treatment options are being studied in clinical trials.

Head and neck cancer is a common disease worldwide. Some of the highest incidence rates are [Page 418]in parts of India and Southeast Asia, where chewing tobacco is a very common practice. Some forms of head and neck cancer are more prevalent in areas of the Middle east and North Africa, where the disease is more commonly associated with infection by the epstein-Barr virus. Generally, occupational exposure, radiation, dietary factors, and genetics are also risk factors that may play a role.