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Head & Neck Cancer
Group of cancers starting in mouth, nose, throat, larynx, or salivary glands.
Overview
Most are squamous cell carcinomas starting in moist surfaces of head and neck. Tobacco and alcohol use are main risk factors, along with HPV infection (especially in oropharynx).
Varied Symptoms
- A sore in mouth that doesn't heal or red/white patch on gums or tongue.
- Persistent sore throat or feeling of something stuck.
- Hoarseness or voice changes.
- Difficulty or pain swallowing or chewing.
- A painless lump or mass in the neck.
- Persistent ear pain or unusual nasal congestion.
Functional Approach
Treatment seeks to eliminate cancer while preserving critical functions like speaking and swallowing.
Surgery
Removal of tumor and sometimes neck lymph nodes.
Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy
Often used combined as main treatment or after surgery.
Sources and medical information
Prepared by Tutti Cancer Warriors
Sources checked: 29 July 2026
This page provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Head-and-neck cancer is an umbrella term for cancers arising in different sites, each with different risk factors, staging and treatment. Seek medical advice for a mouth or throat sore that does not heal, a persistent neck lump, hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, one-sided ear pain, or persistent nasal blockage or bleeding. The figures sum six major sites and overlap with the separate oral and throat guides. The global figures are GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates published in July 2026 and cannot predict an individual outcome.
Official sources
Key Facts
1.02MCombined new cases across six major head-and-neck sites worldwide in 2024
475KCombined deaths across those sites worldwide in 2024