Head and Neck Cancers
Learn about head and neck cancers
Head and Neck Cancer refers to a group of cancers that are biologically similar – starting in the lip, mouth, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx and larynx.
In 90% of cases, these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the epithelial tissues which line the cavities and surfaces of these organs and structures.
Head and neck cancers tend to be aggressive or fast-growing, however, they can be cured if detected early, usually through surgery and/or radiotherapy.
Cancers of the oesophagus, the brain, eye, scalp, skin and muscles of the head and neck are not considered ‘head and neck cancers’.
Please click links below to find more information about the most common types of head and neck cancer.
- Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer (upper throat)
- Mouth cancer (cancer of the oral cavity including inner lip, tongue, hard palate)
- Laryngeal cancer
The onset of head and neck cancers is strongly associated with environmental and behavioural factors, including:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Exposure to UV light, toxic chemicals or viruses, such as the human papillomavirus.
