Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the lining of the oral cavity, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), or vocal cords. They all have a similar appearance under the microscope and are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas.
Many different types of benign growths or cancers can develop in the head and neck region. Some may start in the lining of the mouth or throat (head and neck cancer). Others start in the thyroid or parathyroid glands, skin (squamous or basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma), saliva-producing glands (parotid and other salivary gland tumors), or connective tissues and bones of the head and neck (sarcomas).
Common symptoms of head & neck cancer in adults:
(These symptoms must be persistent and last longer than 2 weeks)
Conditions treated by head and neck specialists at Fox Chase include, but are not limited to:
A photograph of a medical professional feeling the sides of a patient's neck.
A closeup photo of a person pressing on either side of their neck with their fingertips.
A diagram showing the salivary glands in the face, including the sublingual gland, submaxillary gland, and paratoid gland.