Head and Neck Cancer Care

• Throat cancers, such as hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, nasopharyngeal, and metastatic squamous neck cancer.
• Oral and oropharyngeal cancers, such as oral cavity and salivary gland cancer.
• Nose and sinus cancer, including paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer.
• Recurring (metastatic) head and neck cancer, which is cancer that has returned in the head and neck or spread throughout the body.
• Thyroid cancer, which forms as a nodule in the thyroid gland. This gland is below the voice box in the front of the neck.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:

• A lump or a sore in the mouth or throat that doesn't heal.
• A growth or swelling of the jaw or under the chin.
• Unusual bleeding in the mouth.
• A sore throat that doesn't improve.
• Trouble swallowing.
• A change or hoarseness in the voice.
• Pain or ringing in the ears.
• Trouble breathing or speaking.
• Numbness or paralysis in the face.
• Pain in the face, chin, or neck that doesn't go away.
• Sinuses that don't clear.
• Chronic sinus infections that don't respond to antibiotics.
• Bleeding through the nose.
• Frequent headaches.
• Swelling or other trouble with the eyes.
• Pain in the upper teeth or problems with dentures.

Many of these symptoms are often a sign of a less serious illness.

Talk to your doctor or dentist about your symptoms so they can learn their cause.

Certain risk factors increase a person's chance of getting head and neck cancer, such as:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Age. Most head and neck cancers affect people 50 and older.
• Gender. Men are at more risk than women.
• Radiation exposure as a child.
• Having HPV.
• Poor dental hygiene. You may need head and neck cancer screenings more often.
• A diet low in vitamins A and B.

There's no proven way to fully prevent head and neck cancer.

But you may be able to lower your risk by changing certain habits.

• Stop smoking, even if you've been smoking for many years.
• Do not use tobacco products such as chewing tobacco.
• Avoid alcohol
• Use sunscreen
• Limit your number of sex partners to reduce your risk of HPV.
• Get the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) if you're between the ages of 9 and 45.
• Maintain proper dental hygiene with routine dental checkups.
• Take care of dentures and have regular fittings.

The location of these cancers — in the throat, mouth, nose, and sinuses — takes careful and precise treatment.

To achieve the best results, our experts offer state-of-the-art head and neck cancer surgery and care, including:

• Advanced minimally invasive techniques.
• The latest robotic technology, which makes it easier to operate on the head and neck.
• Up-to-date reconstructive techniques to restore your quality of life.
• A mix of chemo, radiation, and surgery to augment your treatment.
• Mental and social support for you and your loved ones during treatment and recovery.