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The head and neck is an anatomically diverse part of the body, made up of soft tissues, bones, and a variety of glands and organs. Cancer can arise in any of these areas. Skin cancers that develop on the scalp, face, or neck may also be considered head and neck cancers.

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating patients with head and neck cancers, our services, and our research.

  • Our Approach & Expertise
    More than 3,500 people seek treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for head and neck cancer each year.
  • Our Team of Experts
    To meet the diverse challenges of treating these cancers, a wide array of medical professionals comprises Memorial Sloan-Kettering's multidisciplinary Head and Neck Disease Management Team.
  • Overview
    Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas -- malignancies that begin in the flat squamous cells that form a thin outer layer on many parts of the body.
  • Risk Factors
    Head and neck cancers can develop in anyone, but people who smoke or chew tobacco or drink alcohol excessively are at much greater risk for developing tumors of the mouth, throat, and swallowing tube. People who have been exposed to low doses of radiation are at high risk for thyroid cancers, and sun exposure is linked to most skin cancers.
  • Prevention & Screening
    Making lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, using sunscreen, and wearing a hat can greatly lower the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
  • Symptoms
    Many of the symptoms of head and neck cancers can be caused by noncancerous conditions as well.
  • Diagnosis & Staging
    Our doctors perform several types of tests to make a definitive diagnosis of a head and neck cancer and to determine the stage of the cancer, or how far it has progressed.
  • Treatment
    Many cancers of the head and neck can be cured, especially if they are found early.
  • Our Clinical Trials
    A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for head and neck cancers.
  • Survivorship & Support
    Ensuring a high quality of life for head and neck cancer patients begins with the first stages of treatment and continues with careful follow-up even after treatment is completed.
  • Patient Stories
    A collection of inspiring stories from Memorial Sloan-Kettering patients with head and neck cancer.

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