Head and neck cancers are grouped under a broad group of malignancies that arise from the mucosal surfaces lining the oral cavity, pharynx (naso-, oro-, and hypopharynx), larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. These cancers collectively account for approximately 4-5% of all cancers globally, and over 900,000 new cases are annually.

Over 30 distinct locations in this area can give rise to cancer, such as the: