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This article is contributed by Icon Cancer Centre.

Head and neck cancers arises when cancerous cells develop and grow in an uncontrolled way forming tumours. Not all tumours in the head and neck are cancerous.  Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells (thin, flat cells that form the surface of the skin, or lining of the throat).

Cancers of the head and neck can occur in the following areas:

• Mouth (oral cavity) – including lips, cheeks, hard palate and the first two thirds of the tongue, as well as the gums and tonsils.
• Larynx – is also known as the voice box, and contains the vocal cords used for making sound. The larynx connects the windpipe (tube that connects to the lungs) with the lower part of the throat.
• Pharynx – also known as the throat.
• Nasal cavity and sinuses – the nasal cavity is the area inside the nose. The area behind the nose consists of four sinuses which impact on the sound and tone of speech.
• Salivary glands – is where saliva is produced to help digest food and protect against infections. Most of the tumours found here are typically benign (non-cancerous).

Cancers of the brain, thyroid gland, eye and oesophagus are not included in the classification under ‘head and neck’ cancer.

 Is head and neck cancer hereditary?

If your immediate family member such as a sibling or parent has head and neck cancer, then you will have an increased risk for developing them.

Some genetic conditions such as Fanconi anaemia and Dyskeratosis congenita (disorders of blood) lead to an increased risk of developing cancers of the throat and mouth. 

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer

Here are some common signs of head and neck cancers. However, other conditions can also cause these symptoms thus please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. 

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Bleeding in the nose/mouth area, or coughing up blood
• Pain with chewing or swallowing
• Pain of any kind or a lump in the mouth or neck area
• Ongoing sinus infections
• Ongoing blocked nose
• Headaches
• Patches of white or redness in the mouth area (i.e. tongue, lining of the mouth, gums)
• Loss of senses such as smell, having double vision or difficulty hearing
• Weight loss that cannot be explained by diet and exercise

Please visit Icon Cancer Centre’s website for more information on head and neck cancer treatment options.