Head and Neck Cancers
Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth, the nose, and the throat). These squamous cell cancers are often referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, but salivary gland cancers are relatively uncommon. Salivary glands contain many different types of cells that can become cancerous, so there are many different types of salivary gland cancer.
Cancers of the head and neck are further categorized by the area of the head or neck in which they begin. These areas are described below and labeled in the image of head and neck cancer regions.
There are over 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop. These can include:
What causes cancers of the head and neck?
Alcohol and tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco, sometimes called “chewing tobacco” or “snuff”) are the two most important risk factors for head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Tobacco and alcohol use are not risk factors for salivary gland cancers.
Infection with cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV type 16, is a risk factor for some types of head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancers that involve the tonsils or the base of the tongue.
Other risk factors for cancers of the head and neck include the following:
- Paan (betel quid). Immigrants from Southeast Asia who use paan (betel quid) in the mouth should be aware that this habit has been strongly associated with an increased risk of oral cancer
- Preserved or salted foods. Consumption of certain preserved or salted foods during childhood is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer
- Oral health. Poor oral hygiene and missing teeth may be weak risk factors for cancers of the oral cavity. Use of mouthwash that has a high alcohol content is a possible, but not proven, risk factor for cancers of the oral cavity.
Support Services
At CCL, we offer a wide range of services for patients, as well as their loved ones, designed to make a very difficult time as easy as possible, and to give our patients the best treatment and support possible.
Our support services include specialist counselling, specialist physiotherapy, group sessions and much more. You can find the full range of our support services here.
We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Book now
If you have any questions about cancer or would like to book an appointment with one of our specialists, complete this form online or call 020 8247 3351.
Qualifications
MB BS(Hons) BDS(Hons) FDS RCS FRCS
Clinical Interests
Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth
Facial deformity
Facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Facial skin cancer
Diagnosis of mouth...
Qualifications
MB BS(Hons) BDS(Hons) FDS RCS FRCS
Clinical Interests
Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth
Facial deformity
Facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Facial skin cancer
Diagnosis of mouth...
Qualifications
BDS(Hons), MB ChB, FDS RCS, FRCS Eng, FRCS OMFS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery, oral medicine, salivary gland disease, facial trauma, head & neck oncology including skin...
Qualifications
BDS(Hons), MB ChB, FDS RCS, FRCS Eng, FRCS OMFS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery, oral medicine, salivary gland disease, facial trauma, head & neck oncology including skin...
Qualifications
MSc FFDRCSI FRCS(Ed) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Facial Trauma
Facial deformity; Skin tumours/ cancer/ oncology
Dento-alveolar surgery; Orthognathic surgery (jaws,...
Qualifications
MSc FFDRCSI FRCS(Ed) FRCS(OMFS)
Clinical Interests
Facial Trauma
Facial deformity; Skin tumours/ cancer/ oncology
Dento-alveolar surgery; Orthognathic surgery (jaws,...
Qualifications
FDS FRCS (OMFS) MS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery – including wisdom tooth removal
Hard and soft tissue facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Oral...
Qualifications
FDS FRCS (OMFS) MS
Clinical Interests
Dento-alveolar surgery – including wisdom tooth removal
Hard and soft tissue facial trauma
Salivary gland disease
Oral...
Qualifications
MBBS MSc FRCS(Plast)
Clinical Interests
Skin – benign and malignant lesions.
Reconstruction – breast reconstruction; including microsurgical reconstruction...
Qualifications
MBBS MSc FRCS(Plast)
Clinical Interests
Skin – benign and malignant lesions.
Reconstruction – breast reconstruction; including microsurgical reconstruction...
Qualifications
FRCS Ed (Orl-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Sinus surgery
Head & neck oncology
Thyroid & salivary gland surgery
Qualifications
FRCS Ed (Orl-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Sinus surgery
Head & neck oncology
Thyroid & salivary gland surgery
Qualifications
MB BS FRCS(Plast)
Clinical Interests
Skin cancer, breast reconstruction, head & neck cancer, aesthetic surgery.
Qualifications
MB BS FRCS(Plast)
Clinical Interests
Skin cancer, breast reconstruction, head & neck cancer, aesthetic surgery.
Key: