April Cancer Awareness Month: Head & Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer:

Head and neck cancers can have many different names depending on where the cancer starts.

• Oral Cavity Cancer: Cancer of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth. 

• Oropharyngeal Cancer: Cancer of the back of the mouth and throat. 

• Laryngeal Cancer: Cancer of the voice box. 

• Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Cancer of the upper part of the throat. 

• Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer: Cancer of the sinuses and nasal cavity. 

• Salivary Gland Cancer: Cancer of the glands that produce saliva. 

Statistics: The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 71,100 people in the United States will receive a diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx, the major types of head and neck cancer, in 2024. Unfortunately, about 16,110 people will die from these diseases.

Symptoms:

• Persistent sore throat. 

• Difficulty swallowing. 

• Mouth sores that don't heal. 

• Hoarse voice. 

• Persistent swelling of the neck from enlarged lymph nodes. 

• Lump or mass in the head or neck area. 

• Changes in the voice. 

• Numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. 

• Pain in the face, chin, or neck that does not go away. 

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco). 

• Alcohol consumption. 

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection (for oropharyngeal cancer). 

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (for nasopharyngeal cancer). 

Prevention:

• Avoid tobacco use. 

• Limit alcohol consumption. 

• Get the HPV vaccine.