“Head and neck cancer” is a medical term used to describe a number of different malignant tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer begins in flat squamous cells.Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancer includes several types of cancer that usually start in the cells lining your mouth, throat or voice box. Head and neck cancer symptoms may include a lump in the neck or a sore in the mouth or the throat that does not heal and may be painful. The two most common treatment-related side effects for head and neck cancer are changes in voice and difficulty swallowing.