Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a general description that is used for a number of different types of malignant tumors that occur in the mouth, throat, sinuses and nasal spaces, the larynx, salivary glands, and the cervical lymph nodes. Tumors of the brain are usually not considered to be a part of this general category of tumors. Head and neck cancers that spread usually do so through the lymph nodes in the neck, although it can also spread to other parts of the body.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 68,720 cases of head and neck cancer, diagnosed in the United States in 2007. Although this represents only about 5% of all cancers diagnosed, it is particularly devastating because of the functional problems that may result from treatment. Estimates indicate that there are more than 500,000 survivors of oral and head and neck cancer living in the United States today. The earlier the diagnosis, the less invasive the treatment that may be required. This is where PET can help.

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