Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> This list describes options for <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/2014/06/head-and-neck-cancer-diagnosis.html"><b>diagnosing head and neck cancer</b></a>, and not all tests listed will be used for every person. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:<br /> <ul> <li>Age and medical condition</li> <li>Previous test results</li> <li>Signs and symptoms</li> <li>Type of cancer suspected</li> </ul> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKxItvDPhk-wd8C41NEI1kjgIC-TD7haS752KXyhhXCYDN_ryYoRQZtNG7zu8Ltr9AjTfDWWe5U3f5iW5W_oSBq4epGfAlTzpQAfoUVrdzlG2HHQ3P-xjl1cvVaScsooEjnVHpzEmX98/s1600/Head+and+Neck+Cancer+Diagnosis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> If a person has <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/2014/05/symptoms-and-signs-of-head-and-neck-cancer.html" target="_blank">symptoms and signs of head and neck cancer</a>, the doctor will take a complete medical history, noting all symptoms and risk factors. In addition, the following tests may be used to diagnose head and neck cancer:<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Biopsy</b></span><br /> A biopsy is a sample of the abnormal cells taken from the affected area. These are then examined under a microscope in the laboratory. Your doctor can do the biopsy during a nasendoscopy using a very small needle. The biopsy will tell your doctor if the sample contains cancer cells and if so what type. In some cases, patients may need a general anaesthetic during a biopsy.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">• Bone scan</span></b><br /> A bone scan uses a radioactive tracer to look at the inside of the bones. The tracer is injected into a patient’s vein. It collects in areas of the bone and is detected by a special camera. Healthy bone appears gray to the camera, and areas of injury, such as those caused by cancer, appear dark. This test may be done to see if cancer has spread to the bones.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan</b></span><br /> A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan can also be used to measure the tumor’s size. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein or given orally (by mouth) to provide better detail.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Endoscopy</b></span><br /> This test allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope. The tube is gently inserted through the nose into the throat and down the esophagus to examine the head and neck areas. The examination has different names depending on the area of the body that is examined, such as laryngoscopy (larynx), pharyngoscopy (pharynx), or a nasopharyngoscopy (nasopharynx). When these procedures are combined, they are sometimes referred to as a panendoscopy.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)</b></span><br /> An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body, especially images of soft tissue, such as the tonsils and base of the tongue. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein or given orally to create a clearer picture.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Fine needle aspiration cytology</b></span><br /> This test uses a fine needle and syringe to get a sample of cells from a lump. It is then sent to the laboratory to see if any cancer cells are present. The test can be uncomfortable and the area may be bruised for short while afterwards.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Molecular testing of the tumor</b></span><br /> Your doctor may recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. Results of these tests will help decide whether your treatment options include a type of treatment called targeted.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">• Panorex</span></b><br /> This is a rotating, or panoramic, x-ray of the upper and lower jawbones to detect cancer or to evaluate teeth before radiation therapy or chemotherapy.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Physical examination/blood and urine tests</b></span><br /> During a physical examination, the doctor feels for any lumps on the neck, lips, gums, and cheeks. Also, the doctor will inspect the nose, mouth, throat, and tongue for abnormalities, often using a light and a mirror for a clearer view. Blood and urine tests may be performed to help diagnose cancer. Testing for viral infections, including HPV (see the <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/2014/05/risk-factors-and-prevention-of-head-and-neck-cancer.html" target="_blank">Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</a> section), may also be done.<br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /> </b></span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan</b></span><br /> A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body. This substance is absorbed mainly by organs and tissues that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• Ultrasound</b></span><br /> An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>• X-ray</b></span><br /> An x-ray is a way to create a picture of the structures inside of the body, using a small amount of radiation. A barium swallow may be required to identify abnormalities along the swallowing passage. During a barium swallow, a person swallows a liquid containing barium, and a series of x-rays are taken. Barium coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, so tumors or other abnormalities are easier to see on the x-ray. A special type of barium swallow called a modified barium swallow may be needed to evaluate specific swallowing difficulties. A dentist may also take x-rays of the teeth and mandible and maxilla, including a panorex (panoramic view). If there are signs of cancer, the doctor may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan.</div> </div>

Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

This list describes options for diagnosing head and neck cancer , and not all tests listed will be used for every person. Your doctor may ...

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Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <h2> Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer</h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd29rVTI8OxU_3kpqsZjZF9D8Ja_aq2tsHqetjNwfpRtA-GZeICSAZTWeq_BkQvyb5951G8aYQtj6NeeJL2w4nk-d6PTWKoub6YgjeHpwnpJDjy1ouGCeKQo5E86XZdJzINHuVr57NDE/s1600/Symptoms+and+Signs+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd29rVTI8OxU_3kpqsZjZF9D8Ja_aq2tsHqetjNwfpRtA-GZeICSAZTWeq_BkQvyb5951G8aYQtj6NeeJL2w4nk-d6PTWKoub6YgjeHpwnpJDjy1ouGCeKQo5E86XZdJzINHuVr57NDE/s1600/Symptoms+and+Signs+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The ears, nose and throat are the most common areas affected by head and neck cancers. The symptoms may depend on where the cancer develops and how it spreads. For example, tumors in the larynx or pharynx may be felt as a lump in the throat. Cancer in the mouth may cause sores in the mouth or swelling of the jaw.<br /> <br /> <b>Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer</b><br /> <br /> In addition to physical signs of head and neck cancer, like tumors, these cancers often cause symptoms that are similar to less serious conditions, like the common cold. Changes in voice, headaches, sore throat or a cough may be symptoms of throat cancers. Pain or ringing in the ears may also accompany certain head and neck cancers. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor.<br /> <ul> <li>Blood in the saliva or phlegm (mucus discharged in mouth from respiratory passages)</li> <li>Dentures that no longer fit</li> <li>Difficulty breathing</li> <li>Double vision</li> <li>Ear and/or jaw pain</li> <li>Fatigue</li> <li>Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene</li> <li>Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge</li> <li>Hoarseness or change in voice</li> <li>Loosening of teeth</li> <li>Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area (with or without pain)</li> <li>Nasal obstruction or persistent nasal congestion</li> <li>Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head and neck region</li> <li>Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue</li> <li>Persistent sore throat</li> <li>Red or white patch in the mouth</li> <li>Swelling or sore that does not heal (the most common symptom)</li> <li>Unexplained weight loss</li> </ul> <i>Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer</i><br /> <br /> People who notice any warning signs should talk with a doctor and/or dentist right away. Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. When detected early, cancers of the head and neck have a much better chance of cure. Because many of these symptoms can be caused by other, noncancerous health conditions, as well, it is important to receive regular health and dental screenings. This is particularly important for people who routinely drink alcohol or currently use tobacco products or have used them in the past.<br /> <br /> In fact, people who use alcohol or tobacco should receive a general screening examination at least once a year. This is a simple, quick procedure in which the doctor looks in the nose, mouth, and throat for abnormalities and feels for lumps in the neck. If anything unusual is found, the doctor will recommend a more extensive examination using one or more of the procedures mentioned in the Diagnosis section. If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.<br /> <br /> <u>Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer</u><br /> <br /> <br /></div> </div>

Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer

Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer The ears, nose and throat are the most common areas affected by head and neck cancers. The ...

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Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <h2> Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhd-9WKOGHM3sO5FJcxNFLnCFBhFXp9vMFbNWcBGH6r02fHrF0t1jUVL962WX3MtnRNwntxMECXPS64J0I49bm2j7nvyZ68aTgGnPqirp6TsFVcDGbmuQBd7VTp5K8yKotA-e6OkcbCo/s1600/Risk+Factors+and+Prevention+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhd-9WKOGHM3sO5FJcxNFLnCFBhFXp9vMFbNWcBGH6r02fHrF0t1jUVL962WX3MtnRNwntxMECXPS64J0I49bm2j7nvyZ68aTgGnPqirp6TsFVcDGbmuQBd7VTp5K8yKotA-e6OkcbCo/s1600/Risk+Factors+and+Prevention+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Many head and neck cancers arise after prolonged exposure to known risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and cancer-causing agents in the workplace. These cancers are generally considered preventable. Others, such as parathyroid cancer, are not associated with any preventable risk factor. Some people who develop head and neck cancers have no known risk factors. <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/2014/05/risk-factors-and-prevention-of-head-and-neck-cancer.html" target="_blank"><b>Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</b></a><br /> <br /> <h3> Risk Factors of Head and Neck Cancer</h3> A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.<br /> <br /> Two risk factors greatly increase the risk of head and neck cancer:<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">• Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol</span></b><br /> Alcohol use raises the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, pharynx, larynx (voice box), and esophagus. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">• Tobacco use</span></b><br /> Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff are the single largest risk factors for head and neck cancer. Eighty-five percent (85%) of head and neck cancer is linked to tobacco use. Secondhand smoke may also increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer. Recent research suggests that people who have used marijuana may be at higher risk for head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Age</b></span><br /> People over 40 are at higher risk for head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">• Environmental/occupational inhalants</span></b><br /> Exposure to asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)</b></span><br /> Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or "mono," plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)</span></b><br /> Reflux of stomach acid into the upper airway and throat has been suggested as a factor associated with the development of head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Gender</b></span><br /> Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer. However, the rate of head and neck cancer in women has been rising for several decades.<br /> <br /> <i>Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</i><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Human papillomavirus (HPV)</b></span><br /> Research indicates that infection with this virus is a risk factor for head and neck cancer. HPV is most commonly passed from person to person during sexual activity. There are different types, or strains, of HPV, and some strains are more strongly associated with certain types of cancer. HPV vaccines protect against certain strains of the virus.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Poor nutrition</b></span><br /> A diet low in A and B vitamins can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Poor oral/dental hygiene</b></span><br /> Poor care of the mouth and teeth has been suggested as a factor that may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">• Prolonged sun exposure</span></b><br /> This is especially linked to cancer in the lip area (as well as skin cancer of the head and neck and other chronically sun-exposed areas, such as the hands).<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Race</b></span><br /> Black people are more likely than white people to develop certain types of cancer of the head and neck.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>• Weakened immune system</b></span><br /> A weakened immune system can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.<br /> <hr /> <h3> Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</h3> Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly lower a person's risk of developing a head and neck cancer. Quitting smoking can substantially reduce the risk, even for those who smoked for many years. People who already have a head and neck cancer and quit using tobacco can reduce the risk of developing a second tumor by as much as 60 percent. People who are exposed to toxic fumes and dust in the work place or in other environments can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer by wearing protective face masks. Companies can also install air-filtering systems to minimize employees' exposure to harmful fumes and dust.<br /> <br /> Stopping the use of all tobacco products is the most important thing a person can do, even for people who have been smoking for many years. Other steps that can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer include:<br /> <ul> <li>Avoiding alcohol</li> <li>Avoiding marijuana. (Discuss marijuana as a risk factor with your doctor.)</li> <li>Maintaining proper care of dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can trap tobacco and alcohol’s cancer-causing substances. Denture wearers should have their dentures evaluated by a dentist at least every five years to ensure a good fit. Dentures should be removed every night and cleaned and rinsed thoroughly every day.</li> <li>Reducing your risk of HPV infection by limiting the number of sexual partners. (Having many partners increases the risk of HPV infection.) Using a condom cannot fully protect you from HPV during sex.</li> <li>Using sunscreen regularly, including lip balm with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF)</li> </ul> <u>Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer</u></div> </div>

Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer

Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer Many head and neck cancers arise after prolonged exposure to known risk factors su...

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Types of Head and Neck Cancer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <h2> Types of Head and Neck Cancer</h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6fE7sa2oR3aY-MjZd7bmIvGV1BhIS3rVXLgk4usjUoNC55AvLEDyzWol69d2d8Qw6WUBz_yuYihFvYQMOfuGS_4wirdujh7K55V88YCpBKa_8NM4B3NABlMNj0wYQ0QtB08c48YZByU/s1600/Types+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6fE7sa2oR3aY-MjZd7bmIvGV1BhIS3rVXLgk4usjUoNC55AvLEDyzWol69d2d8Qw6WUBz_yuYihFvYQMOfuGS_4wirdujh7K55V88YCpBKa_8NM4B3NABlMNj0wYQ0QtB08c48YZByU/s1600/Types+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> There are five main<b> types of head and neck cancer</b>, each named according to the part of the body where they start. For more information about a specific type, click on one of the names below.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer</b></span><br /> The larynx (commonly called the voice box) is a tube-shaped organ in the neck that is important for breathing, talking, and swallowing. It is located at the top of the windpipe, or trachea. The hypopharynx (also called the gullet) is the lower part of the throat that surrounds the larynx.<br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer</span></b><br /> The nasal cavity is the space just behind the nose where air passes on the way to the throat. The paranasal sinuses are the air-filled areas that surround the nasal cavity.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Nasopharyngeal Cancer</b></span><br /> The nasopharynx is the air passageway at the upper part of the throat behind the nose.<br /> <br /> <i> Types of Head and Neck Cancer</i><br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer</span></b><br /> The oral cavity includes the mouth and tongue. The oropharynx includes the middle of the throat from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Salivary Gland Cancer</b></span><br /> The salivary gland is tissue that produces saliva, which is the fluid that is released into the mouth to keep it moist and that contains enzymes that begin breaking down food.<br /> <br /> Other types of cancer can also be located in this area of the body, but the diagnosis and treatment are much different so they are addressed separately on this website.<br /> <br /> <u>Types of Head and Neck Cancer</u></div> </div>

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

Types of Head and Neck Cancer There are five main types of head and neck cancer , each named according to the part of the body where ...

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Definition and Description of Head and Neck Cancers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h1 style="text-align: justify;"> Definition</h1> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKrYuzsWzNyc52JERhjz6zZi2ajDnmvBd0vcR3rJkvk3giOnw7bKsen8wFPPisRwds3zH9CebfaqLwvkQdQlxdQ8kGd4UmlmiVs8XCVn5FowSB-GcE4J85NzI2OwourrfNTj3Zydr6os/s1600/Definition+and+Description+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKrYuzsWzNyc52JERhjz6zZi2ajDnmvBd0vcR3rJkvk3giOnw7bKsen8wFPPisRwds3zH9CebfaqLwvkQdQlxdQ8kGd4UmlmiVs8XCVn5FowSB-GcE4J85NzI2OwourrfNTj3Zydr6os/s1600/Definition+and+Description+of+Head+and+Neck+Cancers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The term <b>head and neck cancers</b> refers to a group of cancers found in the head and neck region. This includes tumors found in:</div> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Hypopharynx (lower part of the throat).</li> <li>Nasopharynx (which includes the area behind the nose).</li> <li>The larynx (voice box, located in front of the neck, in the region of the Adam's apple).</li> <li>The oral cavity (mouth). The lips, the tongue, the teeth, the gums, the lining inside the lips and cheeks, the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), the roof of the mouth and the small area behind the wisdom teeth are all included in the oral cavity.</li> <li>The oropharynx (which includes the back one-third of the tongue, the back of the throat and the tonsils).</li> </ul> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In the larynx, the cancer can occur in any of the three regions: the glottis (where the vocal cords are); the supraglottis (the area above the glottis); and the subglottis (the area that connects the glottis to the windpipe).<br /> <br /> <b>Definition and Description of Head and Neck Cancers</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The most frequently occurring cancers of the head and neck area are oral cancers and laryngeal cancers. Almost half of all the head and neck cancers occur in the oral cavity, and a third of the cancers are found in the larynx. By definition, the term "head and neck cancers" usually excludes tumors that occur in the brain.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"> Description</h2> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Head and Neck cancers</i> refer to a diverse group of cancers that involve this region of the body with exclusion of cancers of thyroid gland, skin, lymph glands and brain. Roughly 13,000 Americans develop these cancers every year. They are more common in men than in women. Smoking and Tobacco use, along with alcohol, impose a great risk on individuals to develop these cancers. Most of these cancers origin from the tissues that line the airways in nostrils, salivary glands and throat, as well as inside the mouth, gums, tongue and upper part of esophagus. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Head and neck cancers involve the respiratory tract and the digestive tract; and they interfere with the functions of eating and breathing. Laryngeal cancers affect speech. Loss of any of these functions is significant. Hence, early detection and appropriate treatment of head and neck cancers is of utmost importance.<br /> <br /> <i>Definition and Description of Head and Neck Cancers</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Roughly 10% of all cancers are related to the head and the neck. It is estimated that more than 55,000 Americans will develop cancer of the head and neck in 1998, and nearly 13,000 will die from the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 1998, approximately, 11,100 new cases of laryngeal cancer alone will be diagnosed and 4,300 people will die of this disease. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and it causes at least 8,000 deaths. Among the major cancers, the survival rate for head and neck cancers is one of the poorest. Less than 50% of the patients survive five years or more after initial diagnosis. This is because the early signs of <u>head and neck cancers</u> are frequently ignored. Hence, when it is first diagnosed, it is often in an advanced stage and not very amenable to treatment.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The risk for both oral <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/">cancer</a> and laryngeal cancer seems to increase with age. Most of the cases occur in individuals over 40 years of age, the average age at diagnosis being 60. While oral cancer strikes men twice as often as it does women, laryngeal cancer is four times more common in men than in women. Both diseases are more common in black Americans than among whites.<br /> <br /> <u>Definition and Description of Head and Neck Cancers</u></div> </div>

Definition and Description of Head and Neck Cancers

Definition The term head and neck cancers refers to a group of cancers found in the head and neck region. This includes tumors found ...

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