Causes Of Head And Neck Cancer

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco, sometimes called "oblique" or "snuff") and alcohol are major risk factors for head and neck, especially the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Eighty-five percent of head and neck associated with smoking. People who use tobacco and alcohol are more at risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Other risk factors for cancers of the head and neck includes the following:

Cave mouth. Sun exposure (lip), possibly human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Salivary glands. Radiation in head and neck. This exposure may become a diagnostic x-rays or radiation therapy for non-cancerous conditions or cancer.

Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Certain industrial exposures, such as wood or nickel dust inhalation. Tobacco and alcohol could play a minor role in this type of cancer.

Nasopharynx. Asians, particularly China, ancestry, infection with Epstein-Barr virus occupational exposure to wood dust, and consumption of certain preservatives or salted foods.

Oropharynx. The lack of oral hygiene, infection by HPV and the use of mouthwash that has a high alcohol content are possible, but unproven factors of risk.

Hypopharynx. Plummer-Vinson (also called Paterson-Kelly) syndrome, a rare disease resulting from iron and other nutritional deficiencies. This syndrome is characterized by severe anemia and lead to difficulty swallowing due to webs of tissue that grows throughout the upper esophagus.

Larynx. Exposure to asbestos particles, especially in the workplace.

Immigrants from South Asia that uses Paan (betel pounds) in the mouth should be aware that this habit has been strongly associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. The consumption of maté tea, as usual beverage consumed by South Americans, was associated with an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx.

People at risk of head and neck cancer should discuss with their doctor about ways they can reduce their risk. They should also discuss how often you should take the tests.