Make an enquiry
Refer a patient
HCP Login
HCP Logout

We noticed you are on our AU page. Want to switch regions? Choose from the options:

UK
ES
GenesisCare - logo
Patients
Cancer care
Search by diagnosis
All cancers types
Blood cancer
Bone Cancer
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Genitourinary cancer
Gynaecological cancer
Head & Neck cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Spine cancer
Treatments
Search by treatment
All treatment services
Haematology
Telehealth services
Theranostics
Radiation therapy
All Radiation Therapies
MR Linac
Brachytherapy
Gamma knife RT
Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR)
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies
Benign treatment services
Dupuytren's Disease
Ledderhose Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Keloid Scars
Clinical research
About clinical research
Find a clinical trial
Sponsors and referrers
Helpful information
Navigating cancer treatment
Payment options
Telehealth
Resources
Helpful organisations
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander care
LGBTIQA+ health
For caregivers
Wellbeing blog
All articles
Understanding breast cancer stages
Questions to ask your cancer care team
Integrative cancer care
Exercise therapy
Breast bundle pilot (WA)
About us
Your local GenesisCare
NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA
Why GenesisCare?
Partnering with consumers
Safety and quality
About us
Our values and culture
Our leadership team
Careers
News
Contact us
Healthcare professionals
Find a centre
Find a doctor
GenesisCare - logo
HCP Login
HCP Logout
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient

We noticed you are on our AU page. Want to switch regions? Choose from the options:

UK
ES
Find a centre
Find a doctor
Patients
Cancer care
Search by diagnosis
All cancers types
Blood cancer
Bone Cancer
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Genitourinary cancer
Gynaecological cancer
Head & Neck cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Spine cancer
Treatments
Search by treatment
All treatment services
Haematology
Telehealth services
Theranostics
Radiation therapy
All Radiation Therapies
MR Linac
Brachytherapy
Gamma knife RT
Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR)
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies
Benign treatment services
Dupuytren's Disease
Ledderhose Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Keloid Scars
Clinical research
About clinical research
Find a clinical trial
Sponsors and referrers
Helpful information
Navigating cancer treatment
Payment options
Telehealth
Resources
Helpful organisations
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander care
LGBTIQA+ health
For caregivers
Wellbeing blog
All articles
Understanding breast cancer stages
Questions to ask your cancer care team
Integrative cancer care
Exercise therapy
Breast bundle pilot (WA)
About us
Your local GenesisCare
NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA
Why GenesisCare?
Partnering with consumers
Safety and quality
About us
Our values and culture
Our leadership team
Careers
News
Contact us
Healthcare professionals
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient
  • Patients
  • Exploring cancer care
  • Conditions we treat
  • Head and neck cancer

Introduction

image

Head and neck cancer

Find out more about treatment options

What are head and neck cancers?

What are head and neck cancers?

Head and neck cancers are usually categorised by the area of the head and neck region that the cancer starts. These areas include: 1,2

  • Mouth (oral cavity) – including the lips, tongue, gums, and other structures inside the oral cavity
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)
  • Nose – including the nasal cavity and sinuses
  • Salivary glands
  • Skin of the head and neck

There are three main types of head and neck cancer, which are named after the type of cell that the cancer starts in:1,2

  • Mucosal squamous cell carcinomas start in the squamous cells, or moist lining, of the mouth, nose, and throat, and account for around 9 in 10 head and neck cancers*
  • Adenocarcinomas start in the glandular cells of the head and neck area
  • Cutaneous carcinomas start in the skin of the head and neck area

*Cancer Council Australia. Understanding Head and Neck Cancer. September 2021.

Head and neck cancers can be associated with a number of different symptoms, which are usually specific to the type and location of the cancer. However, some general symptoms may include:1,2

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Hoarse voice
  • Sore throat that doesn’t get better
  • Constant coughing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Bad breath
  • Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms can occur with conditions other than head and neck cancer. You should make an appointment with your GP or specialist for a check-up or to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have.1,2

There are different risk factors that are associated with head and neck cancers, which may include:1,2

  • Smoking tobacco products
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Age over 40 years
  • Poor oral or dental health
  • Chewing tobacco, betel nut, areca nut, gutka or paan
  • Weakened immune system
  • Sun exposure
  • Certain environmental exposures (e.g., chemicals, wood dusts, asbestos fibres)
  • Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
  • Being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • Past radiation therapy to the head and neck area
  • Certain inherited conditions (e.g., Fanconi anaemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will get head and neck cancer.2 Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Make an enquiry

Contact us today to find out how GenesisCare can help you.

Enquire Now

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

A range of tests may be performed to see if you have a head and neck cancer, including3:

  • Physical examination - Doctor checks the mouth, throat, nose, ears, neck, and lymph nodes, possibly using touch or simple tools.
  • Endoscopy - A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose to examine the nasal passages, throat, and voice box.
  • Microlaryngoscopy - A detailed throat and voice box exam done under general anaesthetic using a laryngoscope and microscope.
  • Biopsy - A sample of tissue or cells is taken from a suspicious area to check for cancer under a microscope.
  • Imaging tests - Scans like CT, MRI, PET, X-rays or ultrasound create detailed images to locate tumours and guide biopsies or treatment.
radiation therapy staff

Find a doctor

Search for Head and Neck Cancer specialists in your state.

Find a doctor

Treatment options

Treatment options

Targeting cancer story and treatment journey

Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation, usually in the form of x-rays, to destroy or damage the cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used as the main treatment for head and neck cancer or used together with other treatments to treat the cancer or help relieve symptoms.1

Credit: Targeting Cancer

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy uses medications, usually given by injection or tablet, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.1

Find a centre

Search for consulting and treatment locations near you.

View centres

Support services

Support services

Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Head and Neck Cancer Australia is the only Australian charity dedicated to providing education and support to people living with head and neck cancer.

Visit website

Cancer Council Australia

Australia's leading cancer charity aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.

Visit website

Targeting Cancer

Targeting Cancer aims to raise awareness about radiation therapy as a treatment option for cancer.

Visit website

The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group, The UK

Visit website 

  1. Cancer Council. Understanding head and neck cancers. September 2021. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/head-and-neck-cancers [accessed November 2023].
  2. Cancer Australia. Head and neck cancer. August 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/overview [accessed November 2023].
  3. Cancer Council: Tests for head and neck cancers. February 2024. Available: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis/tests/

You are leaving our website

You are now leaving our website. GenesisCare do not control this content and therefore are not responsible for its accuracy or reliability.

Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
AU Genesis Logo

Who we are

About GenesisCare
Careers
News
LGBTQIA+ Progressive Flag
Australian Aboriginal Flag
Torres Strait Islander Flag

Website policies

Cookie preferences
Our privacy policy
Employee privacy policy
Open disclosure & credentialing policies

Your local GenesisCare

NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA

Contact us

Call us
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient
Provide feedback
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

GenesisCare acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. We ask all people that walk, work, and live on traditional lands to be respectful of culture & traditions and work together as one to better Aboriginal Health.

Copyright © 2025 GenesisCare. All Rights Reserved.

How satisfied are you with your website experience?

Very dissatisfied Very satisfied

How could we improve your experience?

Thank You!

We appreciate your feedback.

Unexpected error!

Please try again.