Head and neck cancers

We also have a video with more detail about the treatment of oral cancer|.

Cancers of the oral cavity Back to top

The oral cavity (see diagram below) includes the lips and the mouth. Cancer can occur in the tongue, the roof of the mouth (the hard palate), the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), the gums, and the inner lining of the lips and cheeks (sometimes referred to

Oropharyngeal cancer Back to top

This develops in the oropharynx, the part of the throat that is directly behind the mouth (see diagram below). It includes the soft part of the roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the base of the tongue (the part you can’t see), the side walls of the throat (where the tonsils are found) and the back wall of the throat (also called the posterior pharyngeal wall).

 

 

Cancer of the nose, paranasal sinus and nasopharynx Back to top

Cancers can develop in the skin of the nostril and the lining of the nose.

The highest part of the throat, which lies behind the nose, is called the nasopharynx (see diagram below). Cancers that occur here are known as nasopharyngeal cancer|.

Alongside the nose, in the bones of the face, lie air spaces known as the sinuses (or paranasal sinuses|). Cancers can develop in the linings of these areas too.

Cancer of the ear Back to top

Cancer can develop in the structures deep inside the ear, but this is very rare. Most develop in the skin of the ear.

Cancer of the salivary gland Back to top

Cancers affecting the salivary glands are also rare. There are different types of salivary gland cancer, depending on the type of cell that has become cancerous. We have more information on salivary gland cancers|.

Cancer of the eye Back to top

Cancers can develop in the skin of the eyelids. Cancers are very unusual in the eye itself. When they do occur, they are usually a type called ocular melanoma|. Occasionally a cancer of the white blood cells, called lymphoma|, can develop behind the eye. In very rare cases, cancer may spread into the eye from a cancer elsewhere in the body: for example, the breast|.

Cancer of the voice box (larynx), cancer of the thyroid gland Back to top

Cancer can also develop in the voice box (larynx) or in the thyroid gland, which are both in the neck.

We have separate information about laryngeal| and thyroid| cancers, which you may find helpful.