Head and neck cancers are cancers that start in the tissues and organs of the head and neck. They include cancers of the larynx (voice box), throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Most types of head and neck cancer begin in squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, the mouth, nose, and throat).
Cancer of the head and neck are the most common cancers in India (30% of all cancers). In the past, the treatment of head and neck cancer was only aimed at cancer-free survival. Issues like cosmesis, speech, swallowing, pain relief etc. were considered secondary. Over the last few years, the goals of such treatments have changed. Now, in addition to improved survival, we also aim to improve the quality of life of our patients with better cosmesis, better functional outcomes like normal speech, swallowing, taste, smell etc.
