Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that begin in the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity, or salivary glands. Together they make up the seventh most common cancer worldwide. This is a comprehensive guide that will help you understand head and neck cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the latest research advances. It also provides advice and resources about coping with head and neck cancer for you and your loved ones.

This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 22, 2026.

Navigating the Understanding Head and Neck Cancer Guide: This guide is meant to help you understand head and neck cancer, how it forms, how it is treated, and how to cope with a head and neck cancer diagnosis. It is meant for people with head and neck cancer and their loved ones. 

You can choose to read every article in this guide in order or only read the sections that are most important to you. Use this menu to skip around through the guide or use the links at the end of each page to move on to the next section. 

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

Learn what head and neck cancer is and how it starts. It also covers the different types of head and neck cancer and how the disease can affect the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Learn about the signs and symptoms that people diagnosed with head and neck cancer may experience. 

Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer

Some people may be at a higher risk of developing head and neck cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for this cancer. 

Can I Lower My Risk of Head and Neck Cancer? Screening and Prevention

Learn how risk-reducing strategies, HPV vaccination, and awareness of symptoms can help catch head and neck cancer earlier and lower your risk.

Statistics for Head and Neck Cancer

Learn more about how many people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year and head and neck cancer survival statistics.

How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?

Learn more about the tests and procedures that are used to diagnose head and neck cancer.

How is Head and Neck Cancer Staged and Classified?

There are different systems for staging head and neck cancer and determining prognosis. This page will help you understand what your head and neck cancer stage means. 

How is Head and Neck Cancer Treated?

Head and neck cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms.

Joining A Clinical Trial for Head and Neck Cancer

Clinical trials can be a way for people with head and neck cancer to receive the latest treatment options. Learn more about why you may want to join a clinical trial, how to find a clinical trial using the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder, and what clinical trial results mean. 

Coping with Head and Neck Cancer

A head and neck cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult. Find ways to cope with the support of your family, friends, caregivers, and care team.

Questions to Ask About Head and Neck Cancer

When you go to appointments with your care team, you may not know what to ask. Use this list of questions to help brainstorm what information is most important to you.