What is Head and Neck Cancer?
A general term used by doctors, head and neck cancer describes the diverse group of malignant tumors that can occur in the head and neck region.
Examples include:
- laryngeal cancer
- mouth cancer
- nasal cavity and sinus cancer
- salivary gland cancer
- skin cancer
- throat cancer
- thyroid cancer
- tongue cancer
What Risk Factors are Associated with Head and Neck Cancer?
At least 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by alcohol and tobacco use (including chewing tobacco or snuff). Infection with certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), especially HPV type 16, is a risk factor for some head and neck cancers as well. The good news is these cancers can be easily preventable and are very treatable if caught early.
Other risk factors for cancers of the head and neck include:
- Chewing paan (betel quid)
- A diet heavily consisting of preserved or salted foods
- Poor oral hygiene and missing teeth
- Occupational exposure to certain chemicals/substances
- Radiation exposure
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Ancestry
Treatments We Offer
Successful treatment for head and neck cancer often involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or various combinations of the three. In addition to tumor removal, the goals of successful treatment include restoration of swallowing, eating, speaking and cosmetic/functional reconstruction when indicated.
Conditions We Treat:
• Benign and malignant salivary gland tumors
• Neck masses (Benign/Malignant)
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hoarseness
• Dysphagia
• Vocal fold paralysis
• Anterior/lateral base of skull malignancies
• Cutaneous malignancies
• Oral cavity cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Nasal cavity cancer
• Paranasal sinus cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer
Procedures We Perform:
• Laser surgery of the larynx and upper airway
• Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)
• Open and endoscopic skull base surgery
• Resection of malignant head and neck tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx
• Complex reconstructive surgery, including free tissue transfer
Additional Patient Benefits:
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Dietary counseling
• Speech therapy
• Psychosocial oncology support
