What type of cancer is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that occur in the tissues and organs of the head and neck, mainly including malignant tumors in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx (including nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx). Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that originate from the epithelial cells that cover these areas. This type of cancer can have a significant impact on basic physiological functions such as breathing, swallowing, speaking, chewing, and facial expressions.

Main types

Head and neck cancer can be divided into many types according to the specific site of onset:

1.Oral cancer: including cancer of the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, soft palate and other parts. Symptoms usually include persistent ulcers, oral white spots or erythema, loose teeth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, etc.

2.Nasopharyngeal cancer: occurs in the nasopharyngeal cavity, the area behind the nose and mouth, and is common in Asia. Symptoms include nasal congestion, bloody nasal discharge, tinnitus, hearing loss, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

3.Laryngeal cancer: originates in the larynx and affects the vocal cords and vocal organs. Early signs often include persistent hoarseness, voice changes, throat pain, or difficulty swallowing and breathing.

4.Pharyngeal cancer: It is divided into nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer, covering different areas of the throat. Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and earache, while hypopharyngeal cancer may cause ear discomfort and a lump in the neck.

5.Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: affects the nasal cavity and surrounding paranasal sinus area, manifesting as persistent nasal congestion, epistaxis, facial pain or swelling and other symptoms.

6.Salivary gland cancer: This cancer is rare and occurs in the glands that secrete saliva. Typical symptoms include a painless lump in the salivary gland and facial numbness or pain.

The occurrence of head and neck cancer is associated with multiple risk factors, the most common of which are tobacco and alcohol use, the synergistic effect of which significantly increases cancer risk. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related to certain types of oropharyngeal cancer, and EBvirus infection is related to nasopharyngeal cancer. Other factors include prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, poor oral hygiene and family genetics.

(Common head and neck cancer treatment drugs such as: repotinib, toripalimab, pembrolizumab, cetuximab, nivolumab, etc. For specific drug details, please see the website homepage or click for consultation.)