Diseases
head & neck cancer
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Head and neck cancers include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
Symptoms
- a persistent sore throat.
- frequent headaches.
- hoarseness or voice changes.
- pain when you chew or swallow.
- pain in your upper teeth.
Causes
- alcohol and tobacco are major risk factors for cancers of the head and neck. all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
Risk factors
- using tobacco
- drinking too much alcohol
- human papillomavirus (hpv)
Diagnosis
- a physical exam
- imaging tests
- imaging tests:
- an endoscopy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is head & neck cancer?
Head and neck cancers include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
What are the symptoms of head & neck cancer?
a persistent sore throat., frequent headaches., hoarseness or voice changes., pain when you chew or swallow., pain in your upper teeth.
What causes head & neck cancer?
alcohol and tobacco are major risk factors for cancers of the head and neck. all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
Which medicines are used for head & neck cancer?
cetuximab, docetaxel, human papillomavirus vaccine
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