Home > Clinical Trials and Research > Research > Cancer's Stem Cell Revolution

Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer

Are all head and neck cancers the same?

The unique differences between certain types of head and neck cancer are described above.

One of the unique things about head and neck cancer is that, although these tumors all look the same under a microscope, they behave differently in the body and respond differently to treatment, depending on where the tumor originally develops. Scientists don't understand why this happens.

Laryngeal cancer - cancer of the voice box - is a good example. If it develops in the vocal cords and if it is treated in the early stages, it has an 80 percent to 90 percent survival rate. If the same type of cancer develops in the mouth, it is very likely to spread to lymph nodes and the patient is much less likely to survive.

 

Continue reading about stem cells in head and neck cancer:    1    2     3    4     5    6     7    8     9

This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

This information is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 The Regents of the University of Michigan

Adjust text size