Head and neck cancer represents a group of cancers that develop in the head and neck region of the body. These cancers can occur in any part of the head or neck, including the nose, mouth, throat, and larynx.
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in Tucson, AZ
What is Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer represents a group of cancers that develop in the head and neck region of the body. These cancers can occur in any part of the head or neck, including the nose, mouth, throat, and larynx.
The vast majority of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the mouth and throat. Other types of head and neck cancer include salivary gland cancer, thyroid cancer, and lymphoma.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
There are three main types of head and neck cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and lymphoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, arising from the thin, flat cells that line the surfaces of organs and glands. Adenocarcinoma is a less common type that arises from glandular cells. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Head and neck cancers can differ in their appearance and in the way they spread. Other types of head and neck cancer include:
- Laryngeal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a type of throat cancer that affects the larynx (sometimes known as the voice box).
- Nasopharyngeal cancer, which develops in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose
- Hypopharyngeal cancer, which develops in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat (sometimes called the gullet).
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, which forms behind the nose
- Salivary gland cancer, which is produced in the salivary glands that are close to the jawbone.
- Oral cancers, which begin in the mouth.
- Oropharyngeal cancer, which develops in the oropharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth.
- Tonsil cancer, which is found in the tonsils, two small masses of tissue at the back of a person’s throat.
- Pituitary cancer, which grows in the pituitary gland, a small bean-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the brain Thyroid cancer, which starts in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland
What are the symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?
The symptoms of head and neck cancer can differ based on the site of the tumor. A sore throat that does not improve, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, neck gland swelling, and ear discomfort are some typical symptoms. Head and neck cancers may also cause facial puffiness (swelling), a lump on the neck, or redness or browning of the skin. Many of these signs aren’t specific to cancer, and they might be caused by any number of other conditions. That’s why seeing a doctor if you have any of these problems for more than two weeks is critical.
How is Head and Neck cancer diagnosed?
After conducting a physical examination, your doctor will order one or more of the following tests if you have symptoms that could be caused by head and neck cancer. These symptoms may include feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities in your head and neck:
- Physical examination/blood and urine tests: During a physical examination, the doctor checks for any lumps on the neck, lips, gums, or cheeks. The doctor may also inspect the nose, mouth, throat, and tongue for abnormalities using a light and a mirror for a better view. Blood tests and urine tests may be used to assist in cancer diagnosis
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy permits the doctor to detect problems in the body by utilizing a thin, lighted, and flexible tube called an endoscope. The evaluation has various names depending on which area of the body is being examined; for example, laryngoscopy allows examination of the larynx while pharyngoscopy lets assessment of the pharynx. Sometimes when both procedures are combined they’re referred to as panendoscopy.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for examination. A pathologist will then analyze this tissue sample to look for any abnormalities.
- Biomarker testing of the tumor: Your doctor may send a tumor sample to a laboratory for testing. They test for unique genes, proteins, and other characteristics that can help determine the best treatment options for you.
- X-ray/barium swallow: An x-ray uses a minuscule amount of radiation in order to produce an image of the interior body structures. If necessary, a barium swallow will be performed in order to pinpoint any abnormalities along the swallowing pathway.
- Panoramic radiograph: A panoramic radiograph is a rotating, or panoramic, x-ray of the upper and lower jawbones to detect cancer or evaluate the teeth before radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This is often called a panorex.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of internal organs.
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses x-rays to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. A computer assembles these pictures into a complete, 3D picture showing any abnormalities or tumors.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI machine produces detailed images of the body, especially those of soft tissue like the tonsils and base of the tongue, by using magnetic fields rather than x-rays.
- Bone scan: A bone scan is a procedure where we use a radioactive tracer to look at the interior of bones. The amount of radiation exposure from the tracer is very low and not harmful. We inject the tracer into a patient’s vein and it collects in areas of active bone growth or injury which can then be detected by a special camera.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan: A CT scan is often performed at the same time as a PET scan, which is known as a PET-CT scan. A PET scan produces images of internal organs and tissues using radiation therapy. The patient’s body is injected with a tiny quantity of radioactive sugar material. To create pictures of the inside of the body, a scanner detects this substance and generates images of the body’s interior.
There are five stages of Head and Neck cancer:
Stage 0: The tumor is only growing in the region of the head and neck where it began. There are no cancer cells in deeper layers of tissue, nearby organs, lymph nodes, or distant sites.
Stage I: Stage I of cancer describes a primary tumor that is 2 cm across or smaller, with no cancer cells present in nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites.
Stage II: In stage II, the head and neck tumor is small, measuring 2-4 cm across. There are no cancer cells present in nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites.
Stage III: Stage III head and neck cancer is a type of cancer that has grown larger than 4 cm or has spread to a lymph node on the same side of the neck as the tumor, and the lymph node is less than 3 cm in size.
Stage IV: Stage IV head and neck cancer is the most severe. The tumor can be any size, but it has spread to:
- Other areas of the head and neck that are close to the tissue being treated.
- Lymph nodes that are more than three centimeters in size, located on the same side of the neck as the tumor, multiple lymph nodes of any size also situated on the same side of the neck as where you discovered the tumor, or one lymph node of any size found on the opposite side from where you first noticed the lump.
- Beyond the head and neck, there are other distant parts of the body like the lungs.
What are the treatments for Head and Neck cancer?
There are a variety of head and neck cancer treatments available, and the best treatment will be determined by the type and stage of the tumor as well as the patient’s age and general health.
- Surgery is the most common treatment for head and neck cancer, but it can be used with other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy involves using beams of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in addition to surgery.
- Chemotherapy is the use of medications to destroy cancer cells. It may be used on its own or in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of therapies.
- Targeted therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on specific genes, proteins, or tissue conditions that support cancer cell growth. It may be used in conjunction with other therapies.
- Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that employs the immune system to fight the disease. It can be used in combination with other forms of treatment.
Doctors and patients may have to customize a treatment plan for brain cancer based on the type of tumor, location in the brain, grade of malignancy (how fast it is likely to grow), as well as other factors.
The side effects of head and neck cancer treatment vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. Common side effects include fatigue, pain, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. More severe side effects may include damage to nerves, the thyroid gland, and salivary glands.
What are the side effects of Head and Neck cancer treatment?
The side effects of head and neck cancer treatment vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. Common side effects include fatigue, pain, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. More severe side effects may include damage to nerves, the thyroid gland, and salivary glands.
Head and neck cancer treatment may result in dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue. In severe cases, surgery to remove the tumor may be necessary. This can cause side effects such as throat and neck swelling, pain, and difficulty breathing. A CT scan or MRI can help determine the severity of the tumor and plan an effective course of treatment.
It’s important to remember that radiation therapy has the potential for side effects, ranging from tiredness to skin reactions to difficulty swallowing. Chemotherapy can produce a variety of undesirable effects, including hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. Immunotherapy may result in adverse effects such as tiredness, fever, and chills. Targeted therapy can induce negative responses such as tiredness and diarrhea. New and more efficient treatments for head and neck cancer with reduced side effects are being researched through clinical trials.
What is the role of radiation therapy in Head and Neck Cancer?
Radiation therapy is used for several types of head and neck cancers. For example, it may be used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain in the area or to prevent recurrence. Radiation therapy can also be combined with chemotherapy to treat some cancers, such as nasopharyngeal cancer.
Radiation therapy is also used for some cancers that have spread beyond the head and neck area. It can be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or as palliative treatment, which means it improves symptoms but doesn’t cure the cancer.
What is the prognosis for someone with Head and Neck cancer?
Prognosis varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the person’s age and overall health. Treatment options and survival rates are also improving for head and neck cancers thanks to advances in medical technology.
In general, the earlier head and neck cancer is caught, the better the prognosis. For example, squamous cell carcinoma of the lip has a 90 percent five-year survival rate when caught early, but only a 20 percent five-year survival rate when caught at a later stage. Nasopharyngeal cancer is also highly curable when caught early. The five-year survival rate for stage 1 nasopharyngeal cancer is about 80 percent, but it drops to 10 percent for stage 4.
Some types of head and neck cancer, such as salivary gland cancer, are more difficult to treat because the five-year survival rate for all stages is only 50–60 percent. The five-year survival rate for head and neck cancers is estimated at around 60%. This means that out of every 100 people affected by this cancer, only about 60 will live for another 5 years.
If you or a loved one has received a head and neck cancer diagnosis, meeting with a medical professional to discuss treatment options is key. There are many variations of head and neck cancers, so it’s crucial to seek accurate information.
Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer
There are 2 substances that greatly increase the risk of developing a head and neck cancer:
- Tobacco use: This is the biggest risk factor for head and neck cancer. People who use tobacco products are about 15 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than people who don’t use tobacco.
- Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse is another major risk factor for head and neck cancer. People who drink heavily are about three times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than people who don’t drink alcohol.
Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposures to chemicals such as formaldehyde can also raise your chance of developing head and neck cancer.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the body. Some types of HPV are linked to an increased risk of developing head and neck cancer.
- A family history of head and neck cancer: Having a family member with head and neck cancer can increase your risk of developing the disease.
- Age: Head and neck cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.
- Gender: On average, men are twice as likely to develop head and neck cancer compared to women.
- Race: People of certain races, such as African-Americans, Asians, and Native Americans, are at a higher risk of developing head and neck cancer.
How can you reduce your risk of getting Head and Neck cancer?
There are a few different ways to reduce your risk of developing head and neck cancer, which include:
- Quitting tobacco: Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a person can do to reduce their risk of developing head and neck cancer.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Reducing your alcohol intake can help lower your risk of developing head and neck cancer.
- Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals: If you are working with chemicals that have been shown to cause head and neck cancer, take the necessary steps to avoid being exposed.
- Getting vaccinated for HPV: A vaccination against HPV is available, and it may aid in the prevention of head and neck cancer.
If you want to reduce your risk of developing head and neck cancer, talk with a doctor who specializes in the disease. They will be able to advise you based on their knowledge of what contributes most significantly toward causing it—and this information may differ from person to person.
We are here to help
Knowing your risk factors can help you take action against developing the disease and reduce your chances of getting it in the first place. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with brain cancer, it is important to get the best possible treatment. We offer a wide range of head and neck cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Our head and neck cancer team is here to help you every step of the way.
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