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Cancer of the head and neck is an uncommon disease accounting for 5 % of all cancers. In an anatomic area so readily visible and palpable for examination without special and expensive diagnositic tools, it is unfortunate that many patients still present with advanced diseases. Since the prognosis is so intimately related to stage of disease, it is very important to detect the earliest stage of cancer with a complete head and neck examination. In the evaluation of cancer at any anatomic site, the description of the extent of the lesion is important. Not only does proper staging of the tumor lead to make decision of the most appropriate treatment, it also serves as a guide for the results of treatment. Proper staging demands a careful clinical assesment of the extent of the cancer. The current staging system for head and neck cancer uses the TNM system devised by American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging and End Result Reporting. T represent the primary tumor, N, regional nodal metastases, and M, distant metastases. The detection, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of eary cancer will result in improved survival.
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