Head and Neck Cancer
Definition of head and neck cancer
Cancer that arises in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx [voice box]).
Oral Cancer
Definition of oral cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the lip or mouth. This includes the front two thirds of the tongue, the upper and lower gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the bottom of the mouth under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth.
Estimated new cases and deaths
Estimated new cases and deaths from oral cancer in the United States in 2009:
- New cases: 23,110 (oral cavity); 7,566 (oropharynx)
- Deaths: 5,370 (oral cavity); 1,338 (oropharynx)
Throat Cancer
Definition of throat cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the pharynx (the hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the windpipe and esophagus). Throat cancer includes cancer of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose), the oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx), and the hypopharynx (the bottom part of the pharynx). Cancer of the larynx (voice box) may also be included as a type of throat cancer. Most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells that look like fish scales). Also called pharyngeal cancer.
Estimated new cases and deaths
Estimated new cases and deaths from throat cancer in the United States in 2009:
- New cases: 12,290 (laryngeal); 12,610 (pharyngeal)
- Deaths: 3,660 (laryngeal); 2,230 (pharyngeal)
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