What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers. They start in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, or sinuses. Most start in the thin, moist lining of these areas. This type is called squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers can spread to lymph nodes in the neck. A new lump in the neck is often the first sign people notice. Other signs include a mouth sore that does not heal, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or ear pain.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or feeling like your throat is closing; Bleeding from the mouth, throat, or neck, or coughing or spitting up blood; Not able to eat, drink, or keep fluids down for a day; Signs of dehydration: very dark urine, peeing much less, or feeling dizzy when you stand; Mouth or throat pain so bad that pain medicine does not help; Coughing or choking when you eat or drink, especially with fever; Feeding tube problems: the tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, swollen, or leaking; New cough or shortness of breath, especially while on immunotherapy; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Sudden hearing loss, or new swelling in your face or neck; Confusion, severe headache, or new weakness.

What chemotherapy plans are used for head and neck cancer?

Common treatment plans include Cisplatin with radiation. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Head and neck cancer

Many head and neck cancers can be cured, and good support helps you eat, speak, and swallow.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through head and neck cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What this cancer is

Let's start with what head and neck cancer is. It is a group of cancers. They start in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, or sinuses. Most start in the thin, moist lining of these areas. They can spread to lymph nodes in the neck. A new neck lump is often the first sign. Tobacco and alcohol cause most of these cancers. A virus called human papillomavirus now causes most throat cancers here. Many people are cured, especially when it is found early. A team of experts will help you.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. Mouth cancer starts in the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks. Throat cancer starts in the back of the tongue or the tonsils. Some throat cancers are caused by human papillomavirus. These usually respond well to treatment. Voice box cancer often causes hoarseness early. Lower throat cancer sits just above the food pipe. Nasopharynx cancer starts behind the nose. Nose and sinus cancers are rare. Sometimes cancer is found in a neck node. The starting place is hidden. Your team will explain your type.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. First, the doctor looks in your mouth and feels your neck. A thin camera tube can look at your throat and voice box. A biopsy takes a small piece of tissue. It is the only way to know for sure. A CT scan shows the tumor and neck lymph nodes. An MRI gives detailed pictures of the nose and skull base. A PET scan shows if cancer has spread. The tumor is also tested for viruses. You will see a dentist before radiation. Swallowing and hearing checks may be done too.

What the stage means

Next up, the stage. The stage tells how big the cancer is. It also tells how far it has spread. Most head and neck cancers use stages 1 to 4. Lower numbers mean smaller cancer that has not spread far. Some throat cancers caused by human papillomavirus have their own system. So does cancer behind the nose. Stages help your team plan treatment. They help all your doctors speak the same language. Ask your team what your stage means for you.

Tumor and virus tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Your tumor may be tested in the lab. These tests help your team understand your cancer. One test checks if a virus caused a throat cancer. Another virus test points to cancer behind the nose. A protein test helps decide if immunotherapy may work. There are different markers, and each has a different role. Your doctor will tell you which ones you have and what they mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatments

Now let's talk about treatment. Surgery removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. Surgery can also remove lymph nodes in the neck. Radiation uses strong beams, usually five days a week for several weeks. Chemotherapy is often given during radiation to help it work better. For many voice box cancers, this can save the voice box. Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight the cancer. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your team about them. Comfort care can help at any stage.

Side effects and help

Let's look at side effects. Radiation can cause painful mouth and throat sores. Rinsing often with salt and baking soda helps. Dry mouth is common and can last a long time. Sipping water often helps. Swallowing can get hard. A swallowing therapist can teach helpful exercises. Weight loss can happen, and a dietitian can help. Some people need a feeding tube for a while. Taste often comes back slowly. See your dentist regularly. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well after treatment

Now let's talk about living well. If you smoke or drink, stopping is one of the best steps. Your team can help you quit. Keep doing your swallowing and jaw exercises. You will have regular checkups and scans. Healing takes time, often many months. It is normal to feel sad or worried. Support groups and counselors can help. Call right away for a fever. Call for trouble breathing. Call for bleeding from the mouth or neck. If it feels very bad, call 911. Also visit our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. Thank you for learning with me. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. You can call your care team any time. Healing takes time, so be gentle with yourself. You are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
Trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or feeling like your throat is closing
Bleeding from the mouth, throat, or neck, or coughing or spitting up blood
Not able to eat, drink, or keep fluids down for a day
Signs of dehydration: very dark urine, peeing much less, or feeling dizzy when you stand
Mouth or throat pain so bad that pain medicine does not help
Coughing or choking when you eat or drink, especially with fever
Feeding tube problems: the tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, swollen, or leaking
New cough or shortness of breath, especially while on immunotherapy
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood
Sudden hearing loss, or new swelling in your face or neck
Confusion, severe headache, or new weakness

Treatment plans (regimens)

Cisplatin with radiation

Medicines often used

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is head and neck cancer?: Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers. They start in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, or sinuses. Most start in the thin, moist lining of these areas. This type is called squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers can spread to lymph nodes in the neck. A new lump in the neck is often the first sign people notice. Other signs include a mouth sore that does not heal, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or ear pain.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or feeling like your throat is closing; Bleeding from the mouth, throat, or neck, or coughing or spitting up blood; Not able to eat, drink, or keep fluids down for a day; Signs of dehydration: very dark urine, peeing much less, or feeling dizzy when you stand; Mouth or throat pain so bad that pain medicine does not help; Coughing or choking when you eat or drink, especially with fever; Feeding tube problems: the tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, swollen, or leaking; New cough or shortness of breath, especially while on immunotherapy; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Sudden hearing loss, or new swelling in your face or neck; Confusion, severe headache, or new weakness.
What chemotherapy plans are used for head and neck cancer?: Common treatment plans include Cisplatin with radiation. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.