What are the types of head and neck cancers and how common are head and neck cancers?
What are the types of head and neck cancers and how common are head and neck cancers?
Commonly named cancers such as head and neck cancers (for example, mouth, nose, throat and inside) usually begin with changes in the squamous cells lining the inner surface of these regions. Cancers of the region that develop from squamous cells are often referred to as squamous cell head and neck carcinoma. Head and neck cancers can rarely start from the salivary glands.
Head and neck cancers are divided into groups according to the initial region of origin. These groups are listed below;
Oral cavity: covers the lips, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the cheek and the inner face of the lips, the chewing muscle, the hard palate, the area behind the chewing teeth.
Swallow: It is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that covers the area behind the nose and throat, it is the initial part of the esophagus. It consists of three parts: nasopharynx; oropharynx; hypopharynx.
Larynx: The larynx is a short part of the windpipe formed from cartilage under the pharynx. It is also called the larynx. There are vocal cords in the larynx. It also has a small movable part called the epiglottis that acts to cover the throat to prevent food from entering the airways.
Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: paranasal sinuses are small hollow cavities found in the skull bones around the nose. Nasal cavity is the hollow section inside the nose.
Salivary glands: Major salivary glands are located at the floor of the mouth and near the jawbone. Salivary glands produce saliva that initiates digestion.
How common are head and neck cancers?
Head and neck cancers constitute approximately 3% of all cancers seen in the United States of America. It is two times more common among men than women. Head and neck cancers develop more among people over the age of 50 than among young people.
