Larynx Cancer: The larynx, or voice box, is a short passageway that is just below the pharynx in the neck. Air passes through the pharynx and then the larynx on the way to the windpipe (trachea) and into the lungs. Food passes through the pharynx on the way to the esophagus. The larynx has a small flap of tissue over it called the epiglottis to keep food from going into it or the air passages. The larynx also contains the vocal cords. Cancer of the larynx is most commonly found in people who smoke. Symptoms of this cancer might include a sore throat that does not go away, pain when swallowing, a change or hoarseness in the voice, pain in the ear, or a lump in the neck.
Hypopharynx Cancer: The hypopharynx is the bottom part of the throat, or pharynx. The pharynx starts behind the nose and goes down the neck to become part of the esophagus. Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to esophagus. Cancer of the hypopharynx most commonly starts in the cells that line the hypopharynx, called squamous cells. Symptoms of this cancer might include a sore throat that does not go away, trouble swallowing, a lump in the neck, and a change in voice or ear pain.
Oral Cavity Cancer: The oral cavity includes the front part of the tongue, the gums, the lining of the inside of the cheeks and lips (the buccal mucosa), under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth (the hard palate), and the small area behind the wisdom teeth (the retromolar trigone). Cancer of the lip is more common in men than in women, and is more likely to develop in people with light-colored skin who have been in the sun a lot. Cancer of the oral cavity is more common in people who chew tobacco or smoke pipes. Symptoms of lip or mouth cancer might include a lump in the lip, mouth, or gums; a sore in the mouth that does not heal, or bleeding or pain in the mouth.
Oropharynx Cancer: The oropharynx is the middle part of the throat, which includes the soft palate (the back of the mouth), the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. Symptoms of oropharynx cancer might include a sore throat that does not go away, trouble swallowing, a lump in the back of the mouth or throat, a change in the voice, or pain in the ear.
Nasopharynx Cancer: The nasopharynx is behind the nose and is the upper part of the throat (also called the pharynx). The nares, the holes in the nose through which people breathe, lead into the nasopharynx. Two openings on the side of the nasopharynx lead into the ear.
Cancer of the nasopharynx most commonly starts in the cells that line the oropharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth). Symptoms of this cancer might include a lump in the neck, trouble breathing through the nose, nosebleeds, headaches, pain in the ear, or trouble hearing.
Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer: Squamous cells line the outside of many body organs, including the mouth, nose, skin, throat, and lungs. Cancer can begin in the squamous cells and spread (metastasize) from its original site to the lymph nodes in the neck or around the collar bone.
When the lymph nodes in the neck are found to contain squamous cell cancer, a doctor will try to find out where the cancer started (the primary tumor). If the doctor cannot find a primary tumor, the cancer is called a metastatic cancer with unknown (occult) origin. A doctor should be seen if there is a lump or pain in the neck or throat that does not go away.
Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer: The paranasal sinuses are small hollow spaces around the nose. The sinuses are lined with cells that make mucus, which keeps the nose from drying out; the sinuses are also a space through which the voice can echo to make sounds when a person talks or sings. The nasal cavity is the passageway just behind the nose through which air passes on the way to the throat during breathing.
Cancer of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity most commonly starts in the cells that line the oropharynx. If the cancer starts in the muscle or connective tissue, it is called a sarcoma. Tumors called midline granulomas may also occur in the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity, and they cause the tissue around them to break down. Symptoms of nasal cavity and sinus cancers include nasal congestion and obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, nose bleeds, a lump or sore that doesn't heal inside the nose, pain in the sinus region or upper teeth, swelling or other trouble with the eyes, or poorly fitting dentures.
Salivary Gland Cancer: The salivary glands make saliva, the fluid that is released into the mouth to keep it moist and to help digest food. Possible presenting symptoms of this cancer include swelling under the chin or around the jawbone, paralysis or pain.
Thyroid Cancer: The thyroid gland is at the front and base of the neck. It makes a hormone called thyroid hormone which helps the body regulate its metabolism. Presenting symptoms of thyroid cancer might include a lump in the front of the neck, hoarseness, or swallowing difficulty.
