Neurologic complications of head and neck cancer
Cancers of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, and larynx comprise head and neck cancers. These cancers are present not only in the United States but also around the world. Risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and human papillomavirus are clearly linked to the prevalence of these cancers. Because of the obvious close anatomical proximity of structures involved in head and neck tumors, neurologic complications-in particular involving the cranial nerves and brain-can occur. The most common neurologic complication is cranial nerve dysfunction, but in rare instances the brain, spine, leptomeninges, vascular structures, and immune system through paraneoplastic processes can be affected. Neurologic dysfunction can occur not only secondary to direct involvement of head and neck malignancies but also from the treatment of the disease, particular from radiation and surgery. © 2008 Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.