Only around 4 percent of cancers in the U.S. develop in the head and neck, and less than 1,000 are found in Maryland patients each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, some types of these cancers have a 5-year survival rate of 50 percent or less. Depending on where the cancer is located, these cancers could affect your ability to chew, taste or talk. People over 50 are more likely to develop head and neck cancer, and men are twice as likely as women to develop it.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer describes cancer that occurs on the lip, mouth, tongue, throat, nose, sinuses or salivary glands. (Brain cancer is not considered a cancer of the head.)
Specific types of head and neck cancer include:
- Hypopharyngeal cancer—forms in the bottom part of the throat
- Laryngeal cancer—forms in the larynx, which contains your vocal cords
- Lip and oral cavity cancer—forms on your lips, the front part of your tongue, your gums, your cheek lining, or the roof of your mouth
- Metastatic squamous neck cancer—affects the lymph nodes of your neck
- Nasopharyngeal cancer—forms in the upper part of your throat, behind your nose
- Oropharyngeal cancer—forms in the back of your tongue, tonsils, soft palate and middle throat
- Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer—forms in your sinuses, which produce mucus, or your nasal cavity
- Salivary gland cancer—forms in the glands that produce your spit
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Some of the most common symptoms include unusual throat or mouth pain or lumps in your neck. That said, different types of cancer have different symptoms, and may include:
- Chronic sinus infections
- Denture problems
- Ear pain
- Feeling like something is caught in your throat
- Headaches
- Hoarseness
- Jaw swelling
- Mouth or tongue sores that do not heal
- Nose bleeding
- Numbness in the face
- Pain or ringing in the ears
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Swelling around your eyes
- Tooth pain
- Trouble breathing, chewing, speaking or swallowing
- Trouble hearing
- Unusual bleeding in the mouth
Most of the time, these symptoms are not signs of head and neck cancer, but some other, easily treatable problem. But it is still best to ask your provider about it as soon as possible. The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely treatment will be effective.
Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer
Treatment for head and neck cancer will depend on the type of cancer, its location, and how advanced the cancer is, and usually involves one or more of the following:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Many patients will need a combination of treatments, along with physical therapy, speech therapy and nutritional consulting after their treatment. Some patients may need reconstructive plastic surgery.
These types of cancers have a high risk of recurrence, and those who develop them are likely to develop another form of cancer. Regular follow-up screenings are essential.
Some Head and Neck Cancers Are Preventable
The most common types of oral cancers are caused by alcohol or tobacco use, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Heavy use of alcohol, marijuana or tobacco can also raise your risk. Quitting smoking and oral tobacco products like dip and snuff is one of the easiest ways to lower your risk. If you are under 45, your primary care provider might recommend an HPV vaccine if you have not had one. In addition to preventing certain oral cancers, it also protects against cervical, anal and penile cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is another risk factor. Always wear sunscreen on your face, neck and lips, especially if you work outdoors, and avoid tanning beds.
More to Read
- HPV and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know
- Oral Cancer: The Top 11 Signs You Should Know
- You Have A Shot At Preventing Cancer
Listen to a Podcast
Having head or neck cancer can change your life. After your cancer treatments, you may need rehabilitation to meet life head-on! Learn what therapies you might need, how they help and ways you can stay as healthy as possible before and during cancer treatments.
Listen to experts Christine Hudacek, MPT, CLT, Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist at UM St. Joseph Medical Center and Melissa Arasz, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist at UM St. Joseph Medical Center below, on your favorite streaming channel or on our website.
