Head and neck surgery is one of the most complex surgical specialities. Surgeons specialising in this area not only work closely with trauma and intensive care teams but also treat facial deformities and the increasing number of oral cancers related to smoking and drinking. The UK is European leader in successful treatment of oral cancer. Many head and neck cancers, if detected early, have a high chance of cure, yet there is very little public awareness about this particular form of cancer.
Cancer can occur in any of the tissues or organs in the head and neck. The most common sites are:-
- Oral Cavity
- Oro-pharynx
- Larynx
- Thyroid
- Miscellaneous
Most cancers of the head and neck arise from the voicebox, lining of the mouth, tongue, throat or the surface covering the tongue. Nevertheless, cancers of the head and neck may develop from other types of tissue - sarcomas develop from mesenchymal cells which make up muscles, bone or blood vessels whilst lymphomas may develop from cells of the lymphatic system.
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