Analysis of risk factors for malignant neoplasia of the head and neck – review of current knowledge

Introduction:
Head and neck neoplasia constitute a heterogeneous group of oncological diseases. They are more frequently diagnosed in men, and globally there is a demonstrated decrease in the age of diagnosis, attributed to factors such as HPV infection. Early-stage diagnosis leads to a 5-year survival rate of 70–90% in patients; unfortunately, diagnoses often occur at advanced stages.

Aim:
This study aims to comprehensively identify the most common risk factors for head and neck neoplasia from a clinical perspective.

Material and methods:
A review of current knowledge was conducted using the PubMed database.

Results:
The most prevalent risk factors for head and neck neoplasia include lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as viral infections (EBV, HPV). Additionally, the study considers the influence of genetic, dietary, environmental, and professional factors. The consequences of marijuana smoking remain unclear.

Conclusions:
Understanding the pathways of head and neck neoplasia could provide several benefits, including the identification of high-risk groups, increased oncological vigilance, and, ultimately, early-stage disease diagnosis.