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Head and Neck Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mouth Teeth

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to malignancies that arise in the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, and voice box, most often as squamous cell cancers, and its risk is strongly linked to tobacco, alcohol, certain viruses, and occupational exposures.

Overview

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is the name for cancers that develop in the mouth, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, and throat and voice box (larynx). Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell cancers. They begin in the moist tissues that line the head and neck. The cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows.

There are other cancers that develop in the head and neck, such as brain cancer, eye cancer, and esophageal cancer. But they are usually not considered to be head and neck cancers, because those types of cancer and their treatments are different.

Risk Factors

Who is more likely to develop head and neck cancer?

Anyone can get head and neck cancer, but you are more likely to develop it if you:

  • Use tobacco or drink lots of alcohol. Your risk of developing head and neck cancer is even higher if you do both.
  • Are male.
  • Are over age 50.
  • Have a history of head or neck cancer.
  • Have HPV (for cancers in the tonsils and base of the tongue).
  • Are exposed to wood dusts or certain other toxic substances at work (for upper throat, nose, and sinus cancers).
  • Have had radiation exposure to the head and neck (for salivary gland cancer).
  • Have Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (for upper throat and salivary gland cancers).
  • Are Asian (for upper throat cancer).

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?

The symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:

  • A lump in the neck
  • A sore in the mouth or the throat that does not heal and may be painful
  • A sore throat that does not go away
  • Trouble swallowing
  • A change or hoarseness in the voice

Other possible symptoms can depend on the specific type of head and neck cancer.

Diagnosis

How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Which exams and tests used to diagnose head and neck cancer can depend on the specific type of cancer. Possible exams and tests may include:

  • A physical exam of the area that might have cancer.
  • Blood and/or urine tests.
  • An endoscopy.
  • A biopsy or other procedure to collect cells from the area that might have cancer. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.
  • Imaging tests.

Treatment & Management

What are the treatments for head and neck cancer?

The treatment for head and neck cancer will depend on the specific type of cancer, the stage (how advanced the cancer is), your overall health, and other factors. The treatment options might include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that mainly attack specific cancer cells and cause less harm to normal cells

In some cases, you may need a combination of treatments. Sometimes surgery can affect how well you can chew, swallow, or talk. Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, dietary counseling, and speech therapy, may help.

Prevention

Can head and neck cancer be prevented?

There are steps you can take to help prevent head and neck cancer:

  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol use or not drinking at all
  • Getting regular dental exams
  • Talking to your provider about HPV vaccination

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have risk factors like tobacco use or HPV, what can I do to reduce my risk of developing head and neck cancer?::The most effective way to reduce your risk is to stop using all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. If you have HPV, regular screenings and discussions with your doctor about vaccination (if applicable) are important. Maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy diet can also contribute to overall health and potentially reduce risk.
How is head and neck cancer typically diagnosed, and what tests might be involved?::Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam, including a thorough check of your mouth, throat, and neck. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample for examination) is often performed. Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or endoscopy may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer and if it has spread.
What are the main treatment options for head and neck cancer?::Treatment plans are highly individualized but commonly involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy, often used in combination with radiation. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are newer options that may also be used depending on the specific type and stage of cancer.
What are the early warning signs of head and neck cancer that I should watch for?::Early signs can be subtle but include a persistent sore throat, a lump in the neck or mouth that doesn't go away, difficulty swallowing or speaking, a voice change or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, or persistent ear pain. Any of these symptoms warrant a prompt visit to your doctor.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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