Head and Neck Cancer

Our multidisciplinary team of otolaryngology/ENT surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists approach provides you with an individualized treatment plan that offers you the best opportunity for success. Together, the team assesses each individual patient's disease and works with you to develop a personalized care plan.

• Oral cavity (mouth) cancer
• Salivary glands cancer
• Paranasal sinuses cancer
• Nasal cavity cancer
• Larynx (voice box) cancer
• Pharynx (throat) cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Cancerous skin tumors of the face and neck
• Skull base cancerous tumors

Some common symptoms of head and neck cancer tumors include:

• A lump in the nose, neck or throat, with or without pain
• A persistent sore throat
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent coughing
• Change in voice or hoarseness
• Ear pain or trouble hearing
• Headaches
• A red or white patch in the mouth
• Bad breath that's unexplained by hygiene
• Nasal obstruction or persistent congestion
• Frequent nose bleeds or unusual discharge
• Trouble breathing

To accurately diagnose cancers of the head and neck, your doctor will thoroughly examine the head and neck area, feeling for abnormalities, looking inside the mouth and throat, and using mirrors and lights to examine hard-to-see areas. Other tests may be indicated, which can include:

• Endoscopy: a thin lighted tube with a camera at its tip
• Biopsy: a small amount of tissue is removed from the area where the cancer is suspected
• Diagnostic imaging: these may include X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs or a Panorex (which takes images of the full upper and lower jaw and sinuses)
• HPV testing for throat cancer
• Thyroid nodule assessment for thyroid cancer

The treatment plan for an individual patient depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and general health.

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Biologic therapy (Centuximab- EGFR Inhibitor)
• Immunotherapies
• Clinical trials

Sometimes, a combination of treatments is used.