Cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells that results in formation of a mass called tumor. This tumor can be cancerous or benign. Head and neck cancer is the terminology used to define a number of different malignant tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth. Furthermore, head and neck cancers initiate in squamous cells, cells that line moist surfaces such as those inside the head and neck (for example, the mouth, nose, and throat). Salivary glands have different types of cells that can turn cancerous. Chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of head and neck cancer. Other risk factors for head and neck cancers include excessive consumption of paan (betel quid), preserved or salted foods, oral health, occupational exposure, radiation exposure, Epstein barr virus infection, and due to hereditary causes.

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, head and neck cancer is the sixth-most common cancer worldwide, with around 630,000 new patients diagnosed every year, in turn resulting in over 350,000 deaths. Symptoms include a change or hoarseness in the voice, a lump or sore that does not heal, sore throat that does not go away, and unexplained and prolonged trouble swallowing. Around 75% of head and neck cancers are associated with tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco. Infection with HPV is a risk factor for some head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancer market

On the basis of disease indication, the global head and neck cancer market is classified into:

• Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer
• Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer
• Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
• Salivary Gland Cancer

On the basis of diagnostic methods, the global head and neck cancer market is classified into:

• Diagnostic imaging equipment
• Endoscopy screening equipment
• Bioscopy screening tests
• Blood tests
• Dental diagnostic

Need for effective and targeted treatment is critical to increase the survival rates

Treatment of head and neck cancer is a major challenge for physicians, as the affectivity and choice of treatment varies from patient to patient and location of the tumor. Owing to complexity of facial structures and functions limits the surgical treatments for head and neck cancers, with surgery being the preferred mode of treatment. Post-surgery, functions such as chewing, talking, and swallowing may be adversely affected. Physicians opt for surgical therapy in combination with radiation therapy for treatment of the malady. Survival rate of head and neck cancer has reduced from 80% to 50% in last ten years, as currently available treatment options mainly treat the symptoms. Recent developments in the area of advanced chemotherapy and radiotherapy permit preserving some of the functions of the face. The introduction of targeted molecular therapy such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody drug conjugates creates major growth avenues for the head and neck cancer market.

High incidence rate creates a potential growth opportunity for the market players

Growing occurrence of head and neck cancer and increasing research activities to develop cost-effective treatment options are the factors which are driving growth of the global head and neck cancer market. According to the World Health Organization, 3 - 5% of the population around the globe suffers from head and neck cancer. Moreover, worldwide approximately 550,000 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed annually with almost 300,000 deaths annually. While the cancer can affect people across different age groups, it is especially prevalent among people over 50 years of age. Head and neck cancer is projected to result in 13,360 fatalities (3,420 women and 9,940 men) in 2017. These types of cancers are more than twice as common among men as women.

Increasing geriatric population and rising number of initiatives by government and non-governmental organizations such as Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) creates a highly conducive environment for growth of the global head and neck cancer market.

Key players operating in the head and neck cancer market are AB Science SA, Bayer AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Acceleron Pharma, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Boston Biomedical, Inc., AbbVie Inc., and AstraZeneca Plc.