What Is Head and Neck Cancer?

 

Head and neck cancer encompasses a range of different cancers that can begin in or around the throat, larynx, mouth, nose, and sinuses. As with all cancers, head and neck cancers begin when cells in part of the head or neck begin to grow and divide without stopping. These cells can create lumps (masses) called tumors. Cancerous tumor cells can spread to other parts of the body if they are not treated and eliminated.

An estimated 47,560 people in the United States (34,900 men and 12,570 women) will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society.
 
The five main types of head and neck cancer are:

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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