Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers include malignant tumors that develop in the tissues of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx and neck area and are of great importance for global health. These cancers are especially associated with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and some environmental factors. The importance of head and neck cancers lies in the fact that they are usually at an advanced stage when diagnosed and the treatment process can affect patients' basic functions such as speech, eating and breathing. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of these cancers; However, these cancers often progress without obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is of great importance to raise awareness of risk factors and encourage early diagnosis through regular screenings. Head and neck cancers have serious effects on patients' quality of life and require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Treatment of these cancers involves many different medical disciplines, such as oncology, surgery, radiotherapy and rehabilitation. Therefore, head and neck cancers constitute an important health problem for both individuals and health systems and should be a priority in public health policies.

Head and neck cancers include malignant tumors that develop in various tissues in the head and neck region.

Types of cancer:

Oral Cancers: It develops in the tongue, lips, palate, floor of the mouth and other intraoral areas.

Pharynx Cancer: It can develop in different parts of the throat, including the nasopharynx (back of the nose), oropharynx (back of the mouth), and hypopharynx (lower part of the throat).

Laryngeal Cancer: It is a type of cancer that affects the vocal cords and other parts of the larynx.

Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers: These are cancers that develop in the sinuses inside and around the nose.

Salivary Gland Cancers: It develops in the salivary glands and is rare.

These types of cancer can affect different structures of the head and neck area and cause various symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment methods vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Early detection plays an important role in the treatment of these cancers and can be facilitated by regular screenings.

Cancer Types and Treatments