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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Larynx<\/strong>. Also known as the voice box, this is a tube-shaped organ in the neck containing the vocal cords. It helps us speak, swallow, and breathe.<\/li>
- Oral cavity<\/strong>. This includes the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth.<\/li>
- Salivary glands<\/strong>. These glands produce saliva to keep food moist and help break it down.<\/li>
- Pharynx<\/strong>. This hollow tube begins behind the nose and leads to the esophagus and trachea.<\/li>
- Nasal cavity<\/strong>. These are the hollow spaces in the bones around the nose, where air passes on the way to the throat.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other cancers can form in this part of the body (brain tumors, esophageal cancer, thyroid cancer, etc.) but these behave very differently and are not classified as head and neck cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n
Causes of Head & Neck Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n
The biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers are tobacco (both cigarettes and chewing tobacco) and alcohol, especially when used together. Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco. Other risk factors include exposure to industrial toxins (e.g., wood dust, paint fumes), dietary factors, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asbestos exposure and radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n
Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n
Symptoms of head and neck cancers are similar to those associated with other conditions and may seem harmless at first. Common signs include a lump or sore that doesn\u2019t heal, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other symptoms you may experience: bleeding from the mouth, swelling of the jaw, frequent congestion, sinus infections that don\u2019t respond to treatment, headaches, earaches, facial numbness or paralysis, enlarged lymph nodes and an unexplained loss of weight.<\/p>\n\n\n
Treatment for Head & Neck Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n
Treatment depends upon several factors. The size and location of the tumor, its stage, and your age and health must all be taken into consideration. Our team at Burlington Ear Nose & Throat<\/span> will make a decision based on these unique factors. Options might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of the above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oral cavity<\/strong>. This includes the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth.<\/li>