20th June 2023

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for head and neck tumours is smoking. Alcohol has also been implicated as a causative factor; the effects of alcohol and tobacco may be synergistic. Cancers of oral cavity are associated with smoking, alcohol, betel chewing practice, dietary habits, poor dental hygiene, and certain infections. Some head and neck cancers are related to occupational risk factors. Cancers in the larynx may be associated with asbestos and solvents. Nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus adenocarcinomas have been linked to occupations associated with wood dust, such as the furniture industry, sawmill work, and carpentry. Human papillomavirus infection (HPV), most commonly HPV-16, plays a role in the development of certain head and neck cancers, particularly those in the oropharynx. HPV positive tumours appear to have a better prognosis than HPV negative tumours.