Track 21: Head and Neck Cancer

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.