Head and neck cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues in the head and neck. It can affect the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, lymph nodes, skin, bones, muscles and nerves.
Symptoms of head and neck cancer include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice or difficulty speaking, pain in the mouth or ear, blood in the sputum or urine, and a feeling of tightness or weakness in the face and neck.
Treatment options for head and neck cancer vary according to the type of cells affected, the stage of the cancer, and the location of the tumor. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene-targeted therapy. Newer technologies such as laser therapy and proton therapy may also be used.
Patients should seek appropriate health care for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. The risk of head and neck cancer can be reduced by avoiding smoking and alcohol, avoiding exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, improving diet and exercising regularly.
