Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer

The term " head and neck cancer " is used to describe cancers that originate in the region of the head or neck. Cancers of the head and neck are usually identified by the focus in which they originate.

Traditionally, the foci of head and neck cancer are:

• Oral cavity (mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, tonsils and floor of the mouth)
• Salivary glands
• Nasal cavity / sinuses / nasopharynx
• Cavum
• Maxillary
• Oropharyngeal sphere
• Throat / pharynx
• Larynx

Tumors treated at MD Anderson Madrid include, among others, the following:

• Upper portion of the digestive and respiratory tract, including mouth, jaw, throat and larynx
• Thyroid
• Head and neck skin, including melanoma
• Salivary glands
• Nose and sinuses
• Temporary bone and ear
• Neck and metastasis in the neck
• Head and neck sarcomas
• Tumors of the base of the skull
• Otorhinolaryngologic diseases in patients with tumors in other parts of the body
• The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers vary depending on the specific type of cancer .

symptom

The symptoms of cancers of the head and neck depend on the type of cancer . The general symptoms include:

• Swelling and pain (face, throat, neck, mouth, etc.)
• Ulcers that do not heal or lumps that do not go away
• Paralysis of one side of the face
• Problems swallowing or breathing
• Change in voice or hoarseness

The presence of one or more of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have head and neck cancer . However, it is important that you consult these symptoms with your doctor, as they could indicate other health problems.