Oncology
Head and Neck Cancer
Also known as: HNSCC, Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Oral cancer
Definition
Cancers that start in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces inside the head and neck, including the mouth, nose, and throat.
Detailed Explanation
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can occur in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, or nasal cavity. Risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection. Treatment depends on stage and location: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and increasingly, immunotherapy. HPV-positive cancers tend to have better prognosis and may respond better to immunotherapy.