The most common malignant neoplasm of the head, face, and neck is which type?

The most common malignant neoplasm of the head, face, and neck is which type?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Squamous cell carcinoma
• C. Melanoma
• D. Kaposi sarcoma

Answer: (B)

Malignant tumors in the head, face, and neck most commonly arise from the squamous epithelium that lines mucosal surfaces of the upper aerodigestive tract—oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. That is why squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in this region. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to occur on sun-exposed skin of the face, but it is less common as a mucosal head-and-neck malignancy and is less likely to spread. Melanoma and Kaposi sarcoma occur less often in this area. Squamous cell carcinomas in these sites often present as a persistent ulcer or mass and are treated with surgery and radiotherapy, with chemo added in more advanced cases.

Malignant tumors in the head, face, and neck most commonly arise from the squamous epithelium that lines mucosal surfaces of the upper aerodigestive tract—oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. That is why squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in this region. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to occur on sun-exposed skin of the face, but it is less common as a mucosal head-and-neck malignancy and is less likely to spread. Melanoma and Kaposi sarcoma occur less often in this area. Squamous cell carcinomas in these sites often present as a persistent ulcer or mass and are treated with surgery and radiotherapy, with chemo added in more advanced cases.