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Head and Neck Cancer
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Location And Directions... |
The Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center is located at our Williamson
St. Campus.
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What are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers encompass a wide range of tumors that develop in
several areas of the head and neck region, including the nasal passages,
sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx, swallowing passages, salivary glands, and
the thyroid gland. Skin cancers that develop on the scalp, face, or neck may
also be viewed as head and neck cancers.
Risk Factors
Anything that may increase your chance of developing a disease is called a
risk factor. Although these factors may put you at greater risk, it does not
mean that they necessarily cause the disease. Primary risk factors include:
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Tobacco use - including smoking and smokeless (chewing) tobacco |
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Alcohol Consumption |
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Exposure to the sun |
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Exposure to radiation |
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Occupational exposure to wood or nickel dust |
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Poor oral hygiene |
Common Symptoms
Below are some of the symptoms and warning signs of head and neck cancers.
Common symptoms of head and neck cancers vary based on the position of the
cancer, but can include any of the following:
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A lump or sore that does not heal |
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Difficulty swallowing |
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A change or hoarseness in the voice |
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Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone |
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Pain in the ear or face or when swallowing |
Screening and Diagnosis
Trinitas physicians perform any of the following tests that can help to make
a definitive diagnosis of a head and neck cancer and to determine the stage
of the cancer, or how far it has progressed:
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Physical examination |
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Endoscopy: A procedure where the doctor uses a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope to inspect areas inside the body |
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Laboratory tests |
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X-rays |
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Computed tomography (CT scan): CT scans use a computer to combine a series of x-rays and produce a three-dimensional image of internal organs and structures within the body |
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to obtain incredibly detailed anatomical images of the body |
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Biopsy: A biopsy involves the doctor removing tissue from the tumor to make a definitive diagnosis |
Common Treatment Options
Many cancers of the head and neck are treatable, especially if they are
found early. Treatment varies according to the type, severity, and size of
the tumor, as well as personal preferences and prognosis. The goal of
treatment is to keep healthy tissue while destroying tumors at their point
of origin as well as any cancer cells that have spread throughout the body.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first treatment option for most cancers of the head and
neck. Surgery may be used to extract the cancerous tissue while sparing as
much healthy tissue as possible. If the cancer has spread, the surgeon may
also remove some of the lymph nodes in the neck. It is important that
patients discuss their personal situation with the surgeon prior to
undergoing surgery so they understand what will need to be removed and what
side effects may result.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a non-surgical method of treatment of cancer and other
diseases using penetrating beams of high-energy waves called x-rays or gamma
rays. Radiation disables or destroys tumor cells by damaging their genetic
material, to stop the cancer cells from growing. The two types of radiation
therapy are:
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External-beam radiation therapy: Specialized medical equipment is used to deliver radiation to the tumor site from outside the body. |
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Internal radiation therapy (also called Brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed in the body near the cancer cells (also called implant radiation or brachytherapy) |
The type of radiation therapy given depends on the type and stage of the
cancer being treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of
cancer cells, either by destroying the cells or by stopping the division of
cells. Chemotherapy is often used to strengthen the response of cancer cells
to radiation therapy, and often makes it possible to preserve organs such as
the larynx. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally or by injection. The way
it is taken depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the drug
protocol the doctor has prescribed.