Fig.1 Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that originates within the nose, mouth, throat, sinuses, larynx, or salivary glands. Symptoms may include sore or a lump that cannot heal, trouble swallowing, a change in the voice and a sore throat that does not go away. There may also be bleeding unusually, trouble breathing and facial swelling. Around 75% of head and neck cancer is on account of the use of tobacco or alcohol. Head and neck cancers are overwhelmingly of the squamous cell carcinoma type. It makes up more than 90% of all head and neck cancers, such as more than 90% of throat cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is most commonly to appear in males over 40 years of age with a history of smoking coupled with heavy alcohol use. The tumor marker Cyfra 21-1 may be potential in diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
