Head and neck cancer are a group of cancers that start in the throat, sinuses, nasal cavity, lips, mouth, or larynx. They often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck and usually this is the first and sometimes only sign of the disease at the time of diagnosis.
Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing
Lump or sore that doesn’t heal
Hoarseness in the voice
Swelling under the chin and/or around jawbone
Pain/ringing in the ears
Head and Neck Cancer Causes
Tobacco
Alcohol
HPV 16 and HPV 18 – HPV is often associated with cervical cancer, however, there is a strong link between HPV infection and head and neck cancer
Betel Quid and Gutka
Radiation Exposure – a history of radiation to the head and neck increases the risk of salivary gland cancer and thyroid cancer
Age – most people diagnosed with mouth cancer are over 40, the average age of diagnosis is 60. However, people diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer tend to be younger
Ultraviolet light – skin and lip cancer are more common in people who spend time in the sun and tanning beds
Other risk factors:
Diet low in fruits and vegetables
Diet high in salt cured fish and meat
Diagnosis of Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus
Asian ancestry
Drinking yerba mate, South American caffeinated drink
Poor oral hygiene
Workplace exposure to inhalants such as asbestos, wood dust, nickel alloy dust, and silica dust
GERD
Weakened immune system
Graft versus host disease – often occurs after a stem cell transplant
Certain genetic syndromes such as Faconia anemia and dyskeratosis congenital
