Although early-stage<unk> s (especially laryngeal and oral cavity) have high cure rates, up to 50% of people with<unk>  present with advanced disease. Cure rates decrease in locally advanced cases, whose probability of cure is inversely related to tumor size and even more so to the extent of regional node involvement. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has been shown to respond better to chemoradiation and, subsequently, a better prognosis, compared to non-associated HPV<unk> . Consensus panels in America (AJCC) and Europe (UICC) have established staging systems for<unk>  and<unk>  squamous-cell cancers. These staging systems attempt to standardize clinical trial criteria for research studies, and attempt to define prognostic categories of disease. Squamous cell cancers of the<unk>  and<unk>  are staged according to the TNM classification system, where T is the size and configuration of the tumor, N is the presence or absence of lymph node metastases, and M is the presence or absence of distant metastases. The T, N, and M characteristics are combined to produce a “stage” of the cancer, from I to IVB. Problem of second primaries Survival advantages provided by new treatment modalities have been undermined by the significant percentage of people cured of<unk>  and<unk>  squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who subsequently develop second primary tumors. The incidence of second primary tumors ranges in studies from 9% to 23% at 20 years. Second primary tumors are the major threat to long-term survival after successful therapy of early-stage HNSCC. Their high incidence results from the same carcinogenic exposure responsible for the initial primary process, called field cancerization. Digestive system Many people with<unk>  are also not able to eat sufficiently. A tumor may impair a person's ability to swallow and eat, and throat cancer may affect the digestive system. The difficulty in swallowing can lead to a person to choke on their food in the early stages of digestion and interfere with the food's smooth travels down into the esophagus and beyond. The treatments for throat cancer can also be harmful to the digestive system as well as other body systems. Radiation therapy can lead to nausea and vomiting, which can deprive a body of vital fluids (although these may be obtained through intravenous fluids if necessary). Frequent vomiting can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which has serious consequences for the proper functioning of the heart. Frequent vomiting can also upset the balance of stomach acids which has a negative impact on the digestive system, especially the lining of the stomach and esophagus. Enteral feeding, a method that adds nutrients directly into a person's stomach using a nasogastric feeding tube or a gastrostomy tube, may be necessary for some people. Further research is required to determine the most effective method of enteral feeding to ensure that people undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiation treatment are able to stay nourished during their treatment. Respiratory system In the cases of some throat cancers, the air passages in the mouth and behind the nose may become blocked from lumps or the swelling from the open sores. If the throat cancer is near the bottom of the throat, it has a high likelihood of spreading to the lungs and interfering with the person's ability to breathe; this is even more likely if the person is a smoker, because they are highly susceptible to lung cancer. Mental health Cancer in the<unk>  or<unk>  may impact a person's mental well being and can sometimes lead to social isolation. This largely results from decreased ability or inability to eat, speak or effectively communicate. Physical appearance is often altered by both the cancer itself or as a consequence of treatment side effects. Psychological distress may occur and feelings such as uncertainty and fear may arise. Some people may also have a changed physical appearance, differences in swallowing or breathing, and residual pain to manage. Patient Experience Increased Caregiver Distress Unique to care for<unk>  Patients Multiple studies have shown caregivers for<unk>  patients show higher rates of distress and poorer mental health compared to both the general population as well as those caring for non-head-and-neck cancer patients. The high symptom burden patients' experience necessitate complex caregiver roles, often requiring hospital staff training, which caregivers can find distressing when asked to do so for the first time. It is becoming increasingly apparent caregivers (most often spouses, children or close family members) might not be adequately informed about, nor prepared or trained for the tasks and roles he/she will encounter during the treatment and recovery phase for this unique patient population, which span both technical and emotional support. Of note, caregivers of patient's who report lower quality of life, demonstrate increased burden and fatigue that extents beyond the treatment phase. Examples of technically difficult caregiver duties include: tube feeding, oral suctioning, wound maintenance, medication delivery safe for tube feeding, and trouble shooting at home medical equipment. If the cancer affect the mouth or larynx, caregivers must also find a way to effectively communicate amongst themselves and with their healthcare team. This is in addition to providing emotional support for the person undergoing cancer therapy. Others Like any cancer, metastasization affects many areas of the body, as the cancer spreads from cell to cell and organ to organ. For example, if it spreads to the bone marrow, it will prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells and affects the proper functioning of the white blood cells and the body's immune system; spreading to the circulatory system will prevent oxygen from being transported to all the cells of the body; and throat cancer can throw the nervous system into chaos, making it unable to properly regulate and control the body.
Head and neck cancer
Laryngeal cancer
Oral cancer
Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer
Hypopharyngeal cancer
Nasal polyp
Nasal glioma