Head and neck cancers account for about 3 percent of all cancers in the United States. These cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. Addressing the full range of head and neck cancers, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center provides all the latest diagnostic and treatment services, combining specialists from otolaryngology, medical oncology, plastic surgery, speech therapy, rehabilitation services and nutrition support, among others.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the head and neck; it arises from cells that line the structures of the nose, throat and oral cavity. Cancers may begin in other types of cells as well. These cancers can also be grouped by point of origin:

• Hypopharynx: the lower part of the pharynx (the cavity at the back of the mouth)
• Larynx: the voice box, which is located just below the pharynx
• Lip and oral cavity: the front two-thirds of the tongue, the gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the floor of the mouth under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth (hard palate) and the small area behind the wisdom teeth
• Lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck
• Nasal cavity
• Nasopharynx: the upper part of the pharynx behind the nose
• Oropharynx: the middle part of the pharynx, including the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the tonsils
• Salivary glands
  
  
  (Note: Cancers of the brain and eye are not included in the category of head and neck cancers. For information on these and other cancers, visit Lahey Hospital & Medical Center's Cancer Center Web site.)