What does head and neck cancer include?

Head and neck cancer refers to malignant tumors that occur in various organs and tissues of the head and neck, mainly including cancers in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, sinus, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, salivary glands and other parts. The pathological types and clinical manifestations of these cancers vary, as do their treatments and prognosis. Here are the main categories of head and neck cancer:

1. Oral cancer: Oral cancer includes tongue cancer, gum cancer, buccal mucosa cancer, floor of mouth cancer, hard palate cancer, etc., which originates from the mucosal cells inside the oral cavity. Common symptoms include persistent oral ulcers, white or red spots in the mouth, loose teeth, and oral pain. In severe cases, it may make it difficult to eat and speak.

2. Nasopharyngeal cancer: Nasopharyngeal cancer mainly occurs in the upper part of the nasopharyngeal cavity and is closely related toEB virus infection. It is more common in Asian populations, especially in southern China, with a higher incidence rate. Early symptoms may include nasal congestion, blood in the nose, tinnitus, hearing loss, headache, etc. As the disease progresses, there may be swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

3. Laryngeal cancer: Laryngeal cancer is divided into supraglottic type, glottal type and subglottic type. The symptoms are different depending on the location of the cancer. The most common symptoms are hoarseness, voice change, throat discomfort or persistent sore throat. In the later stages, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing may occur.

4. Pharyngeal cancer: Pharyngeal cancer is divided into oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer and mid-pharyngeal cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and presents with sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or earache. Hypopharyngeal cancer is often accompanied by dysphagia, foreign body sensation and weight loss.

5. Nasal and sinus cancer: These cancers occur in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Early symptoms are usually not obvious but may include persistent nasal congestion, nose bleeding, headache, or facial swelling. Due to the complex location of the nasal cavity and sinuses, cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

6. Salivary gland cancer: Salivary gland cancer is relatively rare and originates from major salivary glands (such as parotid gland, submandibular gland) or minor salivary glands. Typical symptoms include a painless lump in the salivary gland area, sometimes accompanied by facial numbness or pain, which may affect facial nerve function in the later stages.

7. Other parts: Head and neck cancer also includes malignant tumors occurring in the thyroid gland, skull base, lips and oral soft tissues. Cancers in these areas are less common, but still require attention and early intervention.

In general, there are many types of head and neck cancer with complex clinical manifestations. Early symptoms are often similar to ordinary infections or inflammations and are easily ignored. Therefore, when persistent symptoms occur, you should seek medical examination in time to improve the early diagnosis rate and treatment effect.

(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.)