Most head and neck cancers begin in a type of skin cell called squamous cells. Although they are skin cells, squamous cells also line the insides of the mouth, throat and voice box (larynx).
Squamous cell cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer, with almost 60,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Non-squamous cell cancers can develop in the salivary glands or sinuses. These cancers are more rare.
The head and neck cancer team at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has the expertise to diagnose and treat all types of head and neck cancers. Our experience taking care of people with common or rare types of head and neck cancer leads to the best outcomes for all our patients.
Types of head and neck cancer we treat include:
Throat cancer
Throat cancer most commonly develops in squamous cells in the middle section of the throat, called the oropharynx. This area includes the back part of your tongue and tonsils.
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 70 percent of cancers in the oropharynx. HPV infection is very common, affecting over 40 million people in the U.S. As a result, HPV-related head and neck cancers are on the rise.
Oral cavity cancer
The oral cavity is another name for your mouth. Oral cavity cancers include tumors that develop on the front part of the tongue, lips, gums, insides of the cheeks and the top and bottom areas of your mouth. Cancers that form in the oral cavity are usually squamous cell cancer.
Larynx cancer
Larynx is another name for your voice box. Cancer that develops in the larynx is also called laryngeal cancer. Nearly all of these cancers develop in the squamous cells that make up the inner lining of the larynx.
The majority of larynx cancers involve the vocal cords (which are housed in the voice box). A smaller percentage develop in the epiglottis, a small flap of tissue at the top of the larynx. The epiglottis blocks the opening of the larynx when you swallow, preventing food and fluid from entering your lungs. Rarely, larynx cancer occurs in the area below the vocal cords.
Salivary gland cancer
You have hundreds of minor salivary glands throughout your mouth, throat and sinus system. You also have three sets of major salivary glands—the parotid glands, submandibular glands and sublingual glands. Cancer can develop in any of these glands, but it is relatively rare. Salivary cancer accounts for less than one percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, call 717-544-9400 or request an appointment using our online form.