Causes of Head and Neck Cancers

Executive Summary

Head and neck cancers refer to cancers that begin in the head and neck region. Different factors are known to cause head and neck cancers. Most cancers result from genetic mutations, where normal cells undergo rapid growth and change. Tobacco and alcohol use are primary factors driving head and neck cancers. HPV infection is another vital reason causing head and neck cancers. People having HPV infections (especially HPV-16) are more likely to develop cancers in the neck or head region. Epstein-Barr virus infection can cause cancer of the salivary glands and nasopharyngeal cancer. People with a weakened immune system are at a high risk of head and neck cancers. Poor oral hygiene, missing teeth, and gum diseases cause cancer in the head and neck region, specifically in the oral cavity. Chewing paan/ betel leaves/ gutka can cause mouth cancers.

Consuming a diet that lacks vegetables and fruits and overexposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of head and neck cancers. Radiation exposure can increase the chance of developing salivary gland cancers. People working in specific industries are prone to large-scale chemical exposure, which can increase their risk of head and neck cancers. Some head and neck cancers are also passed down from one generation to the other. Underlying genetic disorders or inherited disorders such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Fanconi anemia increase the cancer risk.

Causes of Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers refer to cancers that begin in the head and neck region. These cancers can also start in the mouth, sinuses, tongue, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, throat, nose, etc. People above 40 years of age are more likely to develop the disease. 

Different factors are known to cause head and neck cancers ^​1​. They include:

• Most cancers result from genetic mutations, where normal cells undergo rapid growth and change. Throat cancers are the result of genetic modification and the uncontrollable division of cells.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV infection is another important reason causing head and neck cancers. People having HPV infections (especially HPV-16) are more likely to develop cancers in the neck or head region. They can cause oropharyngeal cancers that involve the base of the tongue and the tonsils. More than half of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by chronic HPV infection. HPV can also cause cancers in other head and neck regions.
• Epstein-Barr virus has also been considered a reason for head and neck cancers. This virus infection can cause cancer of the salivary glands and nasopharyngeal cancer.
• A weak immune system: People with a weakened immune system is at a high risk of head and neck cancers.
• Family History: Some head and neck cancers are seen to be passed down from one generation to the other. 
• Genetic disorders: Underlying genetic disorders or inherited disorders such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Fanconi anemia are seen to raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancers. These disorders can increase the risk of developing cancerous growths or lesions early in life.

Lifestyle Risks

• Tobacco and alcohol use are primary factors causing head and neck cancers. Furthermore, people who drink, and use tobacco and drugs are at higher risk of developing head and neck cancers. Alcohol and tobacco use can cause different head and neck cancers such as cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, and larynx. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and voice box is caused by alcohol and tobacco use. Around 75% of head and neck cancers are a result of tobacco and alcohol use. People who practice drinking and using tobacco are at greater risk than using any of these alone.
• Poor oral hygiene, missing teeth, and gum diseases cause cancer in the head and neck region, specifically in the oral cavity.
• Chewing paan/ betel leaves/ gutka can cause mouth cancers. 
• Eating a healthy diet is vital in keeping away almost all diseases. Consuming a diet that lacks vegetables and fruits can cause or increase the risk of head and neck cancers.

Harmful radiations and exposures

• Exposure to sun/ Ultraviolet radiation: Overexposure to the sunlight can increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer. Hence, people are advised to use sunscreen and lip balms with adequate SPF to prevent skin disorders or skin cancer.
• Radiation exposure: Radiation exposure can increase a person’s chance of developing salivary gland cancers.
• Occupational exposure: People working in certain industries are prone to large-scale chemical exposure, which can increase their risk of head and neck cancers. Some industrial exposures to materials like synthetic fibers and asbestos cause voice box cancer. Exposure to wood dust can be a factor in causing nasopharyngeal cancer. People working in paint (exposure to paint fumes), metal, textile, ceramic, and food industries have an increased risk of cancer in the head and neck region. Occupational exposure to nickel dust, formaldehyde, and wood dust can also cause cancerous growth in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. 

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