Head and Neck Cancer

What Is Head and Neck Cancer?

The term 'head and neck cancer' refers to many different types of tumors. The majority of these begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and neck region, such as the throat and mouth. These cells are called squamous cells.

In addition, head and neck cancers can develop in the sinuses, muscles, nerves, and salivary glands. However, these are much less common.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer can form in various areas of the head and neck, including the following:

• Salivary glands. Salivary glands are situated on the floor of the mouth beside the jawbone. Smaller glands are spread over the mouth and throat.
• Sinuses and nasal cavity. Sinuses are the hollow spaces surrounding the nose. The nasal cavity is the space inside the nose.
• The oral cavity. This includes the front of the tongue, gums, lips, the lining of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth beneath the tongue, and the palate.
• The throat, also called the pharynx. The pharynx is a hollow tube that begins at the nose and finishes at the esophagus. It includes the very back section of the tongue and the tonsils.
• The voice box, also called the larynx. The voice box is a cartilage structure situated directly underneath the pharynx. It holds the vocal cords and tissue known as the epiglottis. The epiglottis protects the voice box and ensures no food enters the airways.

Types of head and neck cancer include oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, salivary gland cancer, laryngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, hypopharyngeal cancer, and paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer.

Cancers that begin in the eye, esophagus, brain, and the skin of the head and neck do not typically fall into the ‘head and neck cancer’ category.

What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?

In general, people with head and neck cancer may detect a lump in the neck or throat, sores in the mouth that do not heal on their own, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat that will not go away, or a change in the voice.

Symptoms of specific head and necks cancers include the following:

• Oral cavity. Red and white patches on the lining of the mouth, tongue, or gums, swelling of the jaw, a growth around the jaw, or unusual or unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Salivary glands. A feeling of numbness in the face muscles, pain in the face or chin, or swelling around the jawbone and underneath the chin.
• Sinus and nasal cavity. Chronic sinus infections that will not heal with antibiotics, nose bleeds, headaches, swelling in and around the eyes, or pain in the upper mouth and teeth.
• Throat. Pain in the neck or throat, painful swallowing, or ringing in the ears.
• Voice box. Difficulty speaking or breathing, painful swallowing, or pain in the ears.

What Causes Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer occurs when healthy cells develop mutations in their DNA. This causes cells to grow out of control and, over time, accumulate into a tumor.

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include:

• Exposure to radiation in the head and neck for cancer or noncancerous treatments may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer of the salivary glands.
• People who have experienced exposure to wood dust, synthetic fibers, nickel dust, formaldehyde, and asbestos may be at an increased risk of certain head and neck cancers.
• People who have been infected with cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV type 16, are at a greater risk of cancers affecting the base of the tongue or tonsils.
• People with a history of alcohol and tobacco use (including smoking cigarettes, second-hand smoke, and chewing tobacco) are at risk of developing head and neck cancer, particularly those that form in the oral cavity and voice box. People with a history of using both alcohol and tobacco are at a greater risk, and the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in the mouth and voice box are a direct result of tobacco and alcohol use.
• Some genetic disorders can increase the chance of a person developing precancerous lesions or head and neck cancer in their younger years. One example is Fanconi anemia.

How Are Head and Neck Cancers Conventionally Treated?

Depending on the type of cancer, its stage, whether it has spread to other areas of the body, how aggressive it is, and the patient’s overall health, head and neck cancer is conventionally treated with one or a combination of the following:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy

How We Treat Head and Neck Cancer Holistically

Our philosophy is patient-centered, holistic, and founded on empowering – rather than harming – the body’s natural healing processes.

Our leading oncologists connect patients with head and neck cancer to innovative, science-backed treatment therapies and technologies – such as IV therapies and photodynamic therapy – to target cancer’s weaknesses.

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be a scary thing, but we want you to know there is hope, and you can maintain your quality of life throughout your journey.

If you would like to learn more about our holistic treatment options for cancers of the head and neck, please schedule a free consultation with our patient care coordinator team. We’d be honored to walk beside you.