Anatomy of the head and neck: background information

Head and neck cancer is relatively uncommon. They constitute approximately 3% of all cancers, with nearly 7000 new cases annually in the UK, giving an incidence of 12 per 100 000 (larynx, 4.5; oral cavity, 3.5; pharynx, 2.5; others, 1.5). The importance of head and neck cancer lies in the heterogeneity of its constituent parts, the potential for cure and the need to minimize functional impairment. The major risk factors for developing neck cancer are smoking and alcohol consumption. Diet lacking in certain elements, particularly vitamins A and C, may predispose an individual to develop oral cancer. In many head and neck sites of cancer there is no consensus about ‘optimum’ treatment, thus highlighting the necessity for multidisciplinary assessment and management of these patients. The treatment options are surgery (conventional, laser and reconstructive), radiotherapy (brachytherapy and teletherapy), chemotherapy, combined modality and palliative care.