Head and Neck Anatomy Intro

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This video provides an overview of head and neck cancer, including common symptoms and locations of the cancer.

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Read the full video transcript below:

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This video is an overview of head and neck cancer for patients and their families. In this video, we'll review common symptoms associated with head and neck cancer. 

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Common locations include the oral cavity or the mouth, the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat, the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose, the larynx, also known as the voice box, and finally, the hypopharynx, which is the lower part of the throat.

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The oral cavity includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and hard palate. Tumors in this region may affect the ability to speak, eat, or drink. 

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The oropharynx includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, and the soft palate. Tumors in this region may affect the ability to swallow and may also cause problems with a voice. 

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The nasopharynx is in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. Tumors in this region may cause nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through the nose.

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The larynx or the voice box is a structure in the neck that contains the vocal cords and helps produce sound. Tumors in the larynx can affect the patient's ability to speak but may also cause problems with breathing. 

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The hypopharynx is in the lower part of the throat and includes the area directly behind the voice box. Tumors in this region may cause difficulty swallowing and may affect the voice.

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Treatment for head and neck cancer depends on the specific type and location of the tumor as well as the stage of the cancer, which is basically a measure of how big or how advanced it is. 

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Options for treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of these approaches. 

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It's important to work with a cancer care team that includes specialists in head and neck cancer to determine the best course of treatment.

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This video is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. 

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Please consult with a healthcare professional for specific medical recommendations.

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