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However, cancers of the head and neck can develop from other types of cells. Lymphoma develops from the cells of the lymphatic system. Sarcoma develops from the supportive cells which make up muscles, cartilage or blood vessels. Melanoma starts from cells called melanocytes, which give colour to the eyes and skin.
Tumors in the head and neck area are often associated with heavy smoking and/or heavy consumption of alcohol, it also occurs in people who have never smoked or with only light alcohol consumption.
Treatment for SCC usually involves a combination of surgery and/or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is occasionally used as well.
Cancers of the head and neck are more common in men and older people.
In some cases (for example, salivary gland cancers, sarcomas and lymphomas) the causes are unknown. Squamous cell carcinomas are much more common in smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol - especially people who do both.
Other risk factors include the following
• Pipe smokers and people who hold cigarettes between their lips for long periods have a higher risk of cancers in the lip area
• People who have long periods of sun exposure in their daily life have an increased risk of cancer of the lip and the skin of the head and neck, especially the ear
• People who chew tobacco or betel nuts and those who use pahn have a higher risk of cancers in the oral cavity
• Breathing in certain chemicals and hardwood dusts (for example, in workplaces) increases the risk of cancers of the nose and sinuses
Nasopharyngeal cancer may be connected with a viral infection known as Epstein-Barr virus. This is a very common virus to which we are all exposed as children. In the UK nasopharyngeal cancer is very rare. However, people of Chinese origin seem to be at particular risk of developing this cancer after infection with the virus and nasopharyngeal cancer is very common in southern China and Hong Kong.
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