Head & Neck Tumours
Cancers of the head and neck represent 3% of the different body cancers. The most common type of cancer in the head and neck is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) that arises from the linings of the oral cavity (mouth), larynx (voice box), and pharynx (throat). The average age for head and neck cancer patients is 50 years old, and it is twice as common in males than in females. The three well established risk factors for SCC are smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol intake. Nasopharyngeal (back of the nose) cancer, skin cancers, and nasal cavity cancers are other types of less common head and neck tumours. Advances in surgical techniques allow for close to normal speech and swallowing after major head and neck tumour excision surgery.
Facts about head and neck tumours:
-
Skin cancer is the most common head and neck tumour in western societies and Australia, however it is relatively rare in the Middle East due to the darker skin color.
-
Cancers of the mouth and voice box are often detected in early stages and with the appropriate treatment cure can be achieved in 80-90% of cases.
-
Advanced stage Head and Neck tumors require radiation and chemotherapy treatment after surgery.