Care & Services : Head and Neck Cancer
Adena’s cancer team offers a multi-disciplinary approach to treating cancers of the head and neck.
Adena’s team of cancer specialists use a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to treating patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers. We choose minimally-invasive treatments whenever possible to allow patients to maintain more speech and swallowing function. Our goal is to offer patients the best quality of life we can while they are undergoing treatment.
To request an appointment with one of our specialists, please visit our Request an Appointment page or call us today at 740-542-3030.
What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancers usually begin inside the mouth, nose or throat. Although uncommon, these types of cancers also can begin in the salivary glands. Head and neck cancers are categorized by the area of the head or neck in which they begin. Cancers in certain parts of the head, such as the brain, eyes, esophagus, or of the skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck, are not generally in the same category as head and neck cancers.
The most common risk factors for head and neck cancers are alcohol and tobacco use. It is estimated that 75 percent of head and neck cancers are alcohol or tobacco related. However, recently there has been an increased amount of head and neck cancers related to HPV (human papillomavirus).
Facts About Head and Neck Cancer
• With early detection, head and neck cancers are highly curable
• More than 30,000 new cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed annually
• Head and neck cancers are more common in men
• Preventative risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of getting oral cancer include smoking or chewing tobacco, excessive use of alcohol and poor dental hygiene
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Signs and symptoms of a mouth tumor:
• White or red patches in the mouth that won’t wipe away
• Unexplained or constant pain/soreness
• Sores that won’t heal
• Unexplained bleeding
• Mouth swelling or lumps
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth or denture problems
Signs and symptoms of a throat tumor:
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• Unexplained or constant pain/soreness
• Ear pain or pressure
• Constant coughing
Detection and Diagnosis
Your doctor will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests. The exams and tests may vary depending on your symptoms.
Your tissue will be examined to determine if you have cancer. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will want to determine the stage of the disease to find out whether the cancer has spread. This will also help the doctor determine the appropriate treatment options for your case. Additional testing, such as lab tests, MRI, x-ray or surgical procedure may be needed to determine the stage of the cancer.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Depending on the stage of the cancer, size of tumor, your age and general health, there are many different types of treatment for head and neck cancer. These treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Chemotherapy is sometimes the suggested treatments option or it is used in conjunction with other treatments. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and stop new cells from growing.
Chemotherapy alone is often used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. However, it may also be given before surgery or radiation to make treatments more effective. Or it is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer.
Radiation therapy is used with chemotherapy if surgery is not possible. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by using powerful x-rays or other forms of radiation.
Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer, sometimes along with chemotherapy, if surgery is not possible. Radiation therapy is also used to help relieve symptoms caused by the cancer and to help relieve pain if cancer has spread to the bones.
Some cancers can be treated with surgery alone, while others will require chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Reconstructive surgery may be required to improve physical appearance in more advanced cases or it may be used to restore functional capabilities like breathing and swallowing.
Along with the help of your doctor, you should consider treatment options carefully. You should discuss each type of treatment and how it might change the way you look, talk, eat or breathe.
