Sub tracks of Head and neck
cancer
Head and Neck Cancer is a broad category of malignancies that arise in the head
and neck region, excluding the brain. It is typically subdivided based on the
anatomical sites and origins of the cancer. Below are the major sub-tracks:
1. Anatomical Subsites
- Oral Cavity Cancer
- Tongue
- Floor of the mouth
- Buccal mucosa (inner cheek)
- Hard palate
- Gingiva (gums)
- Retromolar trigone
- Pharyngeal Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer (includes base of tongue,
soft palate, and tonsils)
- Hypopharyngeal cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Supraglottic
- Glottic
- Subglottic
- Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer
- Salivary Gland Cancer
- Parotid gland
- Submandibular gland
- Sublingual gland
- Minor salivary glands
- Thyroid Cancer
- Papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic
thyroid carcinoma
2. Histopathological
Subtypes
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (most common)
- Adenocarcinomas
- Lymphomas
- Sarcomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Acinic cell carcinoma
3. Etiological Subgroups
- HPV-associated Head and Neck Cancer
- Commonly linked to oropharyngeal cancers
- Non-HPV-related Cancers
- EBV-associated Cancers
- Common in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Tobacco and Alcohol-induced Cancers
4. Functional Impact
- Voice-related cancers (e.g., glottic cancers)
- Swallowing-related cancers (e.g., hypopharyngeal cancers)
- Facial disfigurement and sensory impact (e.g., paranasal sinus
cancers)
5. Stages and Spread
- Early-stage localized cancers
- Advanced-stage cancers with regional or distant metastases
- Recurrent or refractory cancers
6. Treatment-related
Specializations
- Surgical oncology (e.g., resections, reconstructions)
- Radiation oncology
- Medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy)
- Palliative care for advanced-stage cancers
What is Head and Neck Cancer ?
Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that
develop in the tissues or organs of the head and neck region, including the
mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), sinuses, salivary glands, and nasal cavity.
These cancers typically begin in the squamous cells that line the moist
surfaces of these areas and are collectively referred to as squamous cell
carcinomas. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and infections
such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection and treatment are critical
for improving outcomes.
