Epidemiology, diagnosis, symptoms and TNM classification of head and neck cancers

Abstract

Head and neck cancers occur predominantly by transformation of squamous cells lining the mucous membranes of the upper aerodigestive tract and affect one of the most complex regions of the human body. Head and neck cancers are very common, with more than half a million new cases annually, and have a mortality rate of around 50%, and early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and increase the life expectancy of those affected. In this paper, we review the epidemiology, the main symptoms, the diagnostic methods, highlighting the few genetic markers identified so far, and the TNM classification of each type of upper aerodigestive cancer.