Statistics

• While statistics are not available for all head and neck cancers, in 2024, 58,450 diagnoses of oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer and 12,650 of laryngeal cancer are expected, with 12,230 and 3,880 deaths, respectively.
• In Texas in 2024, 4,160 people are expected to be diagnosed with oral cavity/pharynx cancer and 920 with larynx cancer, resulting in an expected 940 deaths and 270 deaths, respectively.
• Head and neck cancers comprise about 4% of U.S. cancer cases and develop more frequently in men than women.
• About 70-80% of cases of head and neck cancers are associated with the use of tobacco.

Risk Factors

• Age: Adults over the age of 40 are more likely to face a head and neck cancer diagnosis.
• Gender: Men are at least twice as likely to develop head and neck cancers as women, although over the last several decades the incidence in women has been increasing.
• HPV Infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV) increases risk for some forms of head and neck cancers and is linked to about two-thirds of oropharyngeal cancers.
• Radiation: Exposure to the head and neck from radiation treatment can increase risk.
• Tobacco: Tobacco use increases risk for all head and neck cancers, especially oral cavity, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx.
• Alcohol: Those who consume alcohol face a greater risk of head and neck cancers.
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: Epstein-Barr virus infection increases risk of nasopharyngeal and salivary gland cancer.
• Health Conditions: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), compromised immune systems, Fanconi anemia, and dyskeratosis congenita may also increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
• Lifestyle Factors: Occupational exposure to wood dust, asbestos, paint fumes, and formaldehyde; poor oral health; poor nutrition; prolonged sun exposure; marijuana use; and consumption of paan and certain preserved or salted foods is associated with head and neck cancer.

It is important to consult a physician if any of the following symptoms are experienced on a persistent basis.

Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the cancer is and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Physicians will determine the most appropriate treatment options for each patient, including surgery, radiation therapy, proton therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. A combination may be used for the best chance of disease control.