Head and Neck Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer encompasses malignancies in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands, mostly squamous cell carcinoma (90%). In 2025, ~71,000 US cases, more in men, linked to HPV/tobacco.

Symptoms

Symptoms include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, mouth sores, swallowing pain, neck lump, ear pain, nasal congestion, bleeding, facial numbness. Site-specific: oral (white patches), laryngeal (voice changes). In 2025, symptoms prompt endoscopy.

Causes

Causes include tobacco/alcohol (75%), HPV (oropharyngeal, type 16), radiation, EBV (nasopharyngeal), betel nut. In 2025, HPV vaccines reduce incidence.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses endoscopy, biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), HPV testing. Staging TNM. In 2025, AI endoscopy improves detection.

Treatment

Surgery, radiation, chemo (cisplatin), targeted (cetuximab), immunotherapy (pembrolizumab). In 2025, de-escalation for HPV+ reduces toxicity.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 60%, 85% for localised. HPV+ has 80-90%. By 2030, vaccines/immunotherapy could raise to 70%.

Sources

The information for head and neck cancer is sourced from Cleveland Clinic’s “Head and Neck Cancers: Symptoms & Treatment” for treatment; Macmillan’s “Head and neck cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support” for support; Penn State Health’s “The Medical Minute: Getting ahead of head and neck cancer” for updates; Cure Today’s “Breaking Down Early Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer” for symptoms; Mayo Clinic’s “Head and neck cancers – Symptoms and causes” for causes; Brown Health’s “Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms and Treatment” for symptoms; Cancer Research Institute’s “Head and Neck Cancer” for prognosis; Moffitt’s “Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms | Moffitt” for symptoms; University of Colorado’s “Head and Neck Cancers” for types; Cancer Center’s “Understanding the Staging of Head and Neck Cancer” for staging.