Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck cancers include a wide variety of tumors that develop in the oral cavity, throat, voice box (larynx), sinuses, and nasal cavity. The most common types of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), but other types, including salivary gland cancers, lymphomas, and sarcomas, also occur.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of head and neck cancer can include persistent sore throat, lumps or swelling in the neck, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. Other signs may include changes in the voice, ear pain, and unexplained weight loss. In some cases, individuals may also experience bleeding or pain in the mouth, oral sores that don’t heal, and persistent coughing.

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Risk Factors

The primary risk factors for head and neck cancer include tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco) and alcohol consumption, both of which significantly increase the risk, especially when used together. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is another significant risk factor, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers. Additional risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals (like those in the workplace), poor nutrition, and a family history of head and neck cancers.

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Subtypes of

Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer (Mouth Cancer)

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Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, including the tongue, gums, lips, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and inside the cheeks.

Subtypes:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Salivary Gland Cancer

Oropharyngeal Cancer (Throat Cancer)

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Oropharyngeal cancer involves the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue, tonsils, and the walls of the throat.

Subtypes:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
Non-HPV Oropharyngeal Cancer

Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box Cancer)

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Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx (voice box) and can occur in any part of the larynx. It often results in voice changes and difficulty speaking.

Subtypes:

Supraglottic Laryngeal Cancer
Glottic Laryngeal Cancer
Subglottic Laryngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal Cancer of the nose

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Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs in the nasopharynx, which is located behind the nose and above the back of the throat. It is rare in the United States but more common in Southeast Asia and North Africa.

Subtypes:

Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Non-Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Undifferentiated Carcinoma

Salivary Gland Cancer (mouth)

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Salivary gland cancer originates in the salivary glands, which produce saliva to aid in digestion. These cancers can occur in both major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) and minor salivary glands (found throughout the mouth and throat).

Subtypes:

Pleomorphic Adenoma
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Acinic Cell Carcinoma

Thyroid Cancer

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Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland, located in the neck. It is relatively rare compared to other cancers but is the most common type of endocrine cancer.

Subtypes:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer (Sinonasal Cancer)

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Sinonasal cancer is a rare cancer that affects the sinuses and nasal cavity. It can be very difficult to diagnose early because its symptoms are often mistaken for sinus infections.

Subtypes:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Esthesioneuroblastoma
Undifferentiated Carcinoma

Hypopharyngeal Cancer of the throat

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Hypopharyngeal cancer affects the bottom part of the throat, just above the esophagus and windpipe. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle early symptoms.

Subtypes:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Disclaimer: This list provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most common cancerous solid tumors, including their types, subtypes, symptoms and risk factors. However, it is important to note that this list may not capture every possible tumor type and subtype within this category. Cancer research is continually evolving, and new types and subtypes may emerge over time. For a complete and personalized understanding of a cancer type or sub-type, individuals should consult medical professionals or oncologists. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.