Encyclopedia of Cancer | Head and Neck Cancers

Definition

The group of cancers found in the head and neck region, excluding tumors of the eyes and brain.

Description

The tumors associated with head and neck cancers are found in several regions, including the lips, tongue, mouth, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx (voice box), salivary glands, thyroid gland, and parathyroid glands. Many head and neck cancers interfere with the functions of eating and breathing. Laryngeal cancer affects speech. Loss of any of these functions is significant. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment is of utmost importance.

Roughly 5% of all cancers are related to the head and the neck. It is estimated that more than 59, 000 Americans will develop cancer...