Tumours in the mouth, throat and larynx are relatively rare. Every year in Switzerland around 1,120 people develop mouth and throat carcinomas and around 270 people develop larynx cancer. In both cases, men are affected much more frequently women.

In relation to cancer, the head and throat area includes the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), the nose and the outer throat, particularly the thyroid gland.