Head and neck cancer is a general term used by doctors. It describes the diverse group of malignant tumors that can occur in the head and neck region. 

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Examples include: laryngeal cancer, mouth cancer, nasal cavity and sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer, skin cancer, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, tongue cancer.

 

Symptoms for head and neck cancer:

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• Lump on the back of Neck, Jaw, or Mouth

• A Mouth Ulcer

• Pain or Weakness in the Face

• Neck Pain

• Difficulty Moving the Jaw

• Difficulty Swallowing

• Speech Problems

• Ear Pain or Hearing Loss

• Trouble Breathing

• Sore Throat

• White or Red Patches in the Mouth or Throat

• Weight Loss

 

Risk factors for head and neck cancer

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There are a number of different factors that can increase your risk of head and neck cancer. These include using tobacco, drinking alcohol, and being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), among others.

 

Stages for head and neck cancer

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• Stage 0, this is the very beginning of the scale. It describes abnormal cells in the lining of the affected area that have the potential to become cancer.

• Stage 1, describes a very early stage of cancer. The tumor is not more than two centimeters. The cancer has not reached the lymph nodes.

• Stage 2, describes a tumor that is larger than two centimeters but not more than four centimeters. Stage 2 cancer has not reached the lymph nodes.

• Stage 3, describes cancer that either is larger than four centimeters or has spread to a lymph node on the same side of the neck as the tumor and the lymph node is smaller than three centimeters.

• Stage 4, the most advanced stage of head and neck cancer. The tumor may be any size.

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Diagnosis for head and neck cancer

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Will need to diagnose which type of head and neck cancer you have. Imaging tests provide our care teams with a lot of information. Some of the tests are: physical exam for head and neck cancer,imaging, endoscopy, biopsy.

 

Treatment for head and neck cancer

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The typical treatment for head and neck cancer is surgery. Some tumors can be removed with minimally invasively procedures. These include laser microsurgery, robotic approaches, and Mohs surgery.

Radiation to the head and neck can cure many people with the disease. Among the most effective treatments for head and neck cancer are intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy. These specialized approaches can help prevent side effects, including those that affect your ability to eat or swallow.