Neck cancer occurs when there’s an abnormal cell growth in neck tissues. This can involve various structures, such as lymph nodes, salivary glands, the thyroid gland, or other soft tissues.

Typical neck cancer types encompass squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, salivary gland cancer, and sarcoma.

Risk factors for neck cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, exposure to specific chemicals and toxins, inadequate oral hygiene, radiation exposure, and family history.

Symptoms can differ based on the cancer type and location but may include neck pain, swelling, swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, weight loss, and unexplained fatigue

Diagnosis combines a physical examination, reviewing medical history, imaging tests (like USG, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan), biopsy, and laboratory tests

Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

Surgery is aimed at removing the tumor and the surrounding affected tissues, which may involve parts of the thyroid, lymph nodes, salivary glands, or the affected region of the neck.

Chemotherapy employs drugs to destroy or hinder the division of cancer cells, which travel throughout the body.