Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a general term used to describe cancer that can form within the mouth, neck and thyroid. There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop. This includes:

 

·         Mouth and lips

·         Voice box

·         Throat

·         Salivary glands

·         Nose and sinuses

·         Back of the nose and mouth

 

Most patients are referred to the Cancer Centre by their GP suffering with a persistent sore throat, a feeling of something stuck in their throat or a lump in the neck. Others are sent by their dentist with a non-healing ulcer.

 

The most common type of head and neck cancers is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for 90% of cases. This starts in the squamous cells, which line the surface of the head and neck.