What types of cancer affects your head and neck?
Head and neck cancer refers to various tumors that may develop in or around your throat, nose, mouth, and sinuses, or the lymph nodes in your neck.
There are five main types of head and neck cancer:
- Salivary gland cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Oral and oropharyngeal cancer
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
- Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer
Most tumors begin growing within the soft tissues that line your mouth, nose, and throat.
What causes head and neck cancer?
It’s difficult to pinpoint what causes cancer, but some risk factors can dramatically increase your chances of developing head and neck cancer.
Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, is by far the largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 85% of head and neck cancers are associated with tobacco use.
Other risk factors that may make you more susceptible to head and neck cancer include:
- Alcohol use
- UV exposure from the sun
- Poor nutrition
- Poor oral hygiene
- Inhaled pollutants such as asbestos and certain chemicals
Some medical conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or Epstein-Barr virus may also cause head and neck cancer.
How are head and neck cancer treated?
The Lakeshore ENT team takes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, working in conjunction with experts in oncology, dentistry, speech pathology, and social services.
Before discussing treatment options, your Lakeshore ENT physician performs the following tests to evaluate the extent of your cancer:
- Fine needle aspiration to pull cells from a mass
- Panendoscopy with biopsies to visually examine tissues with small telescopes
- CT, MRI, or PET scans to visualize deep structures
The Lakeshore ENT specialists use the most advanced treatments to preserve your organs and tissues whenever possible. In many cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can successfully control head and neck cancer.
If these treatments don’t work, they may recommend surgery as a last option. The Lakeshore ENT head and neck surgeons are exceptionally skilled in facial plastic and reconstructive procedures to correct any physical deformity that may occur.
To learn more about your options for head and neck surgery, call Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center or book an appointment online today.
*Click here to learn more about our Head and Neck Surgery Center
