Loading…
Logo Medical Art Library

Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

ID: ANH18213
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: You or someone you care about may have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. This video will help you understand more about this type of cancer and how it affects the body. Cancer of the head and neck may develop in certain areas such as your sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the bones of your head around your nose, your nasal cavity, your mouth, also known as your oral cavity, your throat, also known as your pharynx, your voice box, also known as your larynx, and your salivary glands, which are organs that help you digest food. The cells lining most of these structures are called squamous cells. The most common type of head and neck cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, begins in these cells. Here, normal cells change into abnormal cells called cancer cells. Over time, these cells can grow out of control and form a cluster called a tumor. These tumors can grow and spread, destroying healthy tissue. Symptoms for head and neck cancer vary depending on the location of the cancer. In general, symptoms may include a sore that doesn't heal, a lump that doesn't go away, a sore throat that doesn't go away, pain or trouble swallowing, ear pain, hoarseness or a change in your voice, and trouble breathing. Other health problems may cause these symptoms. It's important to see your doctor to be sure. If you have head and neck cancer, your doctor will try to find out the extent of the disease, and if it has spread. This is called staging. The stages of cancer range from zero to four. A lower stage means less cancer growth. A higher stage means more cancer growth. The two main risk factors for head and neck cancer are alcohol and tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco. Other risk factors include infection with certain viruses such as human papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus, exposure to certain workplace substances and past radiation therapy of the head and neck. If you are dealing with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, continue to talk to your doctor and your cancer care team.

Nucleus Medical Media Disclaimer of Medical and Legal Liability

Nucleus Medical Media ("Nucleus") does not dispense medical or legal advice, and the text, illustrations, photographs, animations and other information ("Content") available on this web site is for general information purposes only. As with any medical or legal issue, it is up to you to consult a physician or attorney for professional advice. YOU SHOULD NOT DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE BASED ON CONTENT CONTAINED ON THIS WEB SITE, NOR SHOULD YOU RELY ON THE CONTENT ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.

NUCLEUS DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ANY COUNSEL, ADVICE, TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY MEDICAL, LEGAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN BASED ON VIEWING THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE OR SUITABLE FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER.

Mature Content Disclaimer: Certain Content on this web site contains graphic depictions or descriptions of medical information, which may be offensive to some viewers. Nucleus, its licensors, and its suppliers disclaim all responsibility for such materials.

close