Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a major cause of nasopharyngeal cancer (a type of head and neck cancer) and is associated with some lymphomas. The virus, which causes mono, can persist in the body and trigger genetic instability in cells, leading to tumor growth.

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Head and neck cancers are among the most complex and diverse tumors, ranking as the seventh most common cancer worldwide.

The management of this heterogeneous group of cancer is complex and difficult.

These are malignant tumors of the head and neck, mostly represented by:

• squamous-cell carcinomas (epidermoid carcinomas),
• adenocarcinomas,
• sarcomas and lymphomas

The most frequent locations of tumors in the cervico-cephalic district are:

• Larynx
• Oral cavity
• Oropharynx

Less common sites are the nasopharynx, nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses, hypopharynx, and salivary glands.
Other head/neck tumors include:

• Intracranial tumors in adults and children
• Thyroid tumors
• Orbital tumors and retinal tumors
• Acoustic neuromas
• Skin tumors

They are most prevalent in older age, although the incidence among young people is increasing due to papilloma virus infection, which is a risk factor in oropharyngeal cancers.
Alcohol abuse and smoking are among the main causes of these tumors.

The graphic summarizes some risk factors ⚠️ that need to be kept under control, together with one or more of the following symptoms:

• asymptomatic neck mass
• nerve paralysis
• mucosal ulceration
• hoarseness
• dysphagia
• pain
• paresthesia
• mandibular trismus
• alitosis
• ear pain

Recognizing the signs early is critical, time can mean the difference between life and loss.