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Head and neck cancer often refers to cancers that start in the mouth, throat, sinuses and salivary glands. But other cancers can happen in the head and neck and are sometimes considered part of this category too.
Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and voice box). These cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
Neck cancer is a group of relatively rare cancers in the United States. The most common cancers of the neck are those that develop in the mouth, the throat, and the voice box. These cancers develop when abnormal cells in the tissues grow out of control and then spread from one tissue to another.
Head and neck cancers can have many different names depending on where the cancer starts. Learn about nasopharyngeal (upper throat), oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer, hypopharyngeal (lower throat) cancers, and more.
Swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the neck is a common symptom of head and neck cancer, including mouth cancer and salivary gland cancer. Lumps that come and go are not typically due to cancer. Cancer usually forms a lump that slowly gets bigger.
Head and neck cancer diagnosis often begins with an exam of the head and neck area. Other tests might include imaging tests and a procedure to remove some cells for testing. The tests used for diagnosis may depend on the cancer's location.
Head and neck cancer broadly refers to certain cancers that begin in the head or neck area. Learn about types, symptoms, causes, treatment, and outlook.