Air Pollution Increases Risk Of Cancers Of The Neck, Especially Throat. Here's How, And Who Is At Greater Risk

Air pollution can cause cancers of the neck, especially the throat. The throat is also known as the pharynx. Outdoor air pollution is extremely dangerous and has been classified as a Class I human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Not only does air pollution increase the risk of cancers of the lungs and head, but also of the neck. Neck cancers are cancers that can occur in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the neck, which includes the oral cavity, throat or pharynx, and voice box or larynx. 

Squamous cells are thin cells that look like fish scales, are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the lining of the hollow organs of the body.