Head And Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers encompass malignancies in the mucosal linings from lips to larynx, with over 90% being squamous cell carcinomas. They affect areas like oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and salivary glands, representing 4% of U.S. cancers but higher in South Asia due to tobacco habits. Early detection via exams boosts 5-year survival to 80-90%.?

Types and Classification

Oral cavity includes tongue, buccal mucosa, floor of mouth, and gums; pharyngeal covers nasopharynx, oropharynx (tonsils, base of tongue), hypopharynx. Laryngeal involves supraglottic, glottic, subglottic regions; others include salivary gland, sinonasal, and skin cancers. TNM staging: Stage 0 (in situ), I-II (localized <4cm), III-IV (nodal/distant spread).?

Risk Factors

Tobacco (smoking/chewing) and alcohol synergize for 75% of cases; HPV-16 drives oropharyngeal rise. Betel quid, poor nutrition, sun exposure (lip), and EBV (nasopharynx) contribute. Genetic factors like TP53 mutations amplify susceptibility.?

Symptoms

Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, ear pain, neck masses, or non-healing oral ulcers signal issues. Dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss, trismus, or airway obstruction occur in advanced disease.?

Treatment Approaches

Surgery (resection, neck dissection), radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) based on stage/site. Multimodal for locoregionally advanced; HPV-positive fares better. Rehabilitation addresses speech/swallowing deficits.