Cancer Head & Neck Cancer What Is Head and Neck Cancer? By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fayed Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD on February 12, 2018 Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Doru Paul, MD Updated on January 27, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes and Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Head and neck cancers are cancers that originate in the head or neck region, not including thyroid or skin cancers. They include: oral cancer salivary gland cancer laryngeal cancer hypopharyngeal tumors nasopharyngeal cancer tumors of the oropharynx tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses laflor / E+ / Getty Images Symptoms Symptoms of head and neck cancer vary, depending on the type. A broad spectrum of symptoms may include: chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment difficulty or pain when swallowing voice changes or hoarseness general pain in the neck, throat, jaw, or chin that does not go away ear pain, ringing in the ears, or trouble hearing a sore, blister, or another lesion in or on the mouth that does not heal These are common symptoms of head and neck cancer, but more symptoms relate specifically to each type. Causes and Risk Factors Risk factors for head and neck cancer vary among the different types, but we know that tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the most significant risks. An estimated 75% of head and neck cancer diagnoses are related to alcohol and tobacco use. Other risk factors for head and neck cancer include: HPV infection Asbestos exposure Significant unprotected sun exposure Prior radiation therapy treatments to the head and neck Epstein Barr virus infection Wood or nickel dust inhalation Diagnosis How head and neck cancer is diagnosed depends on what type of cancer is suspected. Lab tests, imaging tests, biopsies, and endoscopies are all methods of diagnosing many types of cancer. Once cancer is confirmed, the stage of the cancer is then determined and a treatment plan is developed. Do You Need a Second Opinion? Treatment Treatment for head and neck cancer depends on the type of cancer, stage, and other general health factors. Common methods of treating head and neck cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Find a Doctor: UCompareHealthCare How to Choose an Oncologist How to Find a Surgeon Prevention Since we know that tobacco and alcohol use are strongly linked to head and neck cancer, avoiding both is one of our best prevention defenses. Each is a risk factor for head neck cancer, but the use of both greatly increases the risk. Limiting your exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also decrease the risk of head and neck cancer. Many studies suggest an association between some types of head and neck cancer with HPV infection, according to a review published in 2018. The virus is most commonly known for causing cervical cancer in women, but the evidence is increasing that it may play a role in the development of other types of cancer. What Is HPV? Symptoms of HPV How to Prevent HPV Poor oral hygiene may also be related to head and neck cancer. Dentures that cause irritation due to improper fit and untreated dental caries may increase your risk of oral cancer. How Often Should I Get a Dental Check-up? 10 Reasons to Have a Dental Cleaning How to Floss Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Head and Neck Cancers. Updated March 29, 2017. American Head and Neck Society. Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer. Updated March18, 2014. Kobayashi K, Hisamatsu K, Suzui N, Hara A, Tomita H, Miyazaki T. A Review of HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer. J Clin Med. 2018;7(9):241. doi:10.3390/jcm7090241 Oji C, Chukwuneke F. Poor Oral Hygiene may be the Sole Cause of Oral Cancer. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2012;11(4):379–383. doi:10.1007/s12663-012-0359-5