Head and neck cancers typically begin in the cells that line the moist surfaces within the head and neck. They are generally squamous cell cancers and develop on the inside of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx or salivary glands.
About 65,000 people are diagnosed each year with head and neck cancers in the United States. These cancers usually develop in people over 50, in twice as many men as women.
The Patricia Lynch Cancer Center at Holy Name has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and skilled head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and support staff to diagnose and treat head and neck cancers. Together they provide a compassionate, unified approach in creating a personal strategy for each patient's unique medical, emotional and lifestyle needs.
Lump that doesn't go away
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Bleeding-oral or nasal
White or red patch on the gums
Ear pain or trouble hearing
Chronic sinus infections that don't get better with antibiotics
Headaches
Facial pain
Alcohol
Tobacco
HPV infection
Preserved or salted foods in childhood
Poor oral health
Occupational exposure to wood dust or formaldehyde
Radiation exposure
Epstein Barr virus
Asian ancestry
Male sex
Physical exam
Endoscopy
Biopsy
Blood and urine tests
CT scan
MRI
PET scan
Head and neck cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The PLCC team chooses a specific approach for each patient based on the location of the cancer and whether it has spread.