Definition of Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer: The common carcinomas of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx as well as other tumors that affect the head and neck.

These include:

• Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
• Lip and oral cavity cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Parathyroid cancer
• Thyroid cancer

There are also metastatic head and neck cancers in which the primary tumor where the cancer originated may or may not be known.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19411
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012