Posted on 30th March, 2023 at 4:20:35 AM
Head and neck cancers form in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and voice box). These tumors are known as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. According to a cancer doctor in Kolkata, head and neck cancers can also develop in the salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck. However, these are least common than squamous cell carcinomas. This blog will highlight the areas where the most head and neck tumors appear.
Common areas of head and neck tumors
According to a cancer doctor in Kolkata, head and neck cancers can develop in the following areas:
Oral cavity: The lips, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the floor (bottom) of the mouth under the tongue, the hard palate (bony top of the mouth), and the little patch of gum behind the wisdom teeth are all part of the oral cavity.
Throat (pharynx): The pharynx is a 5-inch long hollow tube that begins below the nose and travels to the esophagus. According to an oncologist in Kolkata, it is divided into three sections: the nasopharynx (the upper portion of the pharynx, behind the nose); the oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx, which includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils); and the hypopharynx (the lower part of the pharynx).
Voice box (larynx): The voice box is a narrow channel in the neck made of cartilage below the throat. The voice box contains the vocal cords. It also features a small piece of tissue called the epiglottis that moves to cover the voice box and prevent food particles from entering the air passage.
Nasal cavity: The paranasal sinuses are small hollow areas in the skull bones that surround the nose. The nasal cavity is the space inside the nose that is hollow.
Salivary glands: The primary salivary glands are located on the mouth floor and near the jawbone. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands. Minor salivary glands are found throughout the mouth and throat mucous membranes.
Head and neck cancers do not often include malignancies of the brain, eye, esophagus, thyroid gland, or skin of the head and neck. A cancer doctor in Kolkata says that squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck often spreads to the lymph nodes of the neck. When there is no evidence of cancer in other areas of the head and neck, malignant squamous cells can be discovered in the lymph nodes of the upper neck.
