Head and Neck Cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in Indian Population. More than 2 lakh cases of this cancer are detected in our country per annum. It can occur at any different site in the head and neck region The way a particular head and neck cancer behaves depends on the site in which it arises (the primary site). For example, cancers that begin at the tip of tongue behave very differently than those that arise in the back of the tongue, which is few millimetres away from tip.

The most common type of cancer in the head and neck is squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the cells that line the inside of the nose, mouth and throat. Squamous cell cancer is often associated with a history of smoking or exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV). Other less common types of head and neck cancers include salivary gland tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas. Methods of prevention include avoidance of exposure to alcohol and tobacco products as well as vaccination of children and young adults against HPV

Cancers spread in four main ways. The first is direct extension from the primary site to adjacent areas. The second is spread through the lymphatic channels to lymph nodes. The third is spread along nerves (perineural spread) to other areas of the head and neck. The fourth is spread through the blood vessels to distant sites in the body. In head and neck cancer, a spread to the lymph nodes in the neck is relatively common.

The three main types of treatment for managing head and neck cancer are Surgery ,Radiation therapy, and Chemotherapy. The primary treatments are Surgery, Radiation therapy or both combined; chemotherapy is often used as an additional, or adjuvant, treatment. The optimal combination of the three treatment modalities for a patient with a particular head and neck cancer depends on the site of the cancer and the stage (extent) of the disease. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment at right time can give better prognosis to this cancer.