Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer includes a range of cancers that can develop in your mouth, throat, or other nearby organs. Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use are significant contributors to the development of head and neck cancers. 

Typically, these cancers originate from the mucosal surfaces lining the inside of your mouth, throat, and voice box. While less common, these types of cancers can also start in the salivary glands, sinuses, or the muscles and nerves of the head and neck.

Seeking prompt medical attention for evaluation and diagnosis is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes. At Kimball Health Services, our ENT specialist, Dr. William O. Dickey, treats various types of head and neck cancers. He also acts as a resource for additional specialized care when needed. Dr. Dickey can also work with your oncologist, enabling you to receive supportive care close to home.

Depending on the location where the cancer originates, head and neck cancer can develop in any of the following areas.

• Oral Cavity: The cancer occurs in your mouth. Oral cavity cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining of the cheeks.
• Pharynx (throat): The pharynx or throat is the hollow tube inside your neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the windpipe. This region is susceptible to pharyngeal cancer. The pharynx is further divided into three regions:
  • Nasopharynx: Cancer occurs in the upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose.
  • Oropharynx: Cancer affects the middle part of the pharynx. This includes the tonsils and base of your tongue.
  • Hypopharynx: Cancer appears in the lower part of the pharynx, where the throat splits into the trachea and esophagus.
• Larynx: The larynx or voice box is a short passageway formed by cartilage just below the pharynx in the neck. Laryngeal cancer originates in the larynx and includes cancers of the vocal cords and other structures in the larynx.
• Nasal Cavity & Paranasal Sinus: The cancer affects your nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses, which are small, air-filled spaces around the nose.
• Salivary Gland: Salivary gland cancer originates in your salivary glands, which produce saliva. 

Each type of head and neck cancer may have different risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding the specific location of cancer is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

While the exact cause of each case may vary, certain common causes and risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing head and neck cancer. These include:

• Tobacco use through smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco 
• Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption 
• Certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection are associated with an increased risk of cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue
• Exposure to certain occupational hazards, such as asbestos, wood dust, and certain chemicals
• Age and gender can play a role - older people and men may be at higher risk 
• Family history of head and neck cancer 
• Poor oral hygiene

It is important to note that even without these risk factors, you can develop head and neck cancer. 

The symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary depending on the specific location of your cancer. 

Common symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

• Sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Persistent sore throat or cough
• Difficulty breathing and speaking
• Feeling of a lump or obstruction in the throat
• Hoarseness or changes in voice 
• Pain in the neck or throat
• Chronic congestion or nasal blockage
• Nosebleeds
• Persistent sinus infections
• Facial swelling or pain
• Earaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness

These symptoms may also result from a range of common and less severe conditions. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is crucial.

Diagnosing head and neck cancer can be challenging as the symptoms are often mild and may resemble less serious conditions.

The diagnosis of head and neck cancer is a detailed and systematic process that includes identifying the presence of cancer, determining its type, and assessing how far it has spread.

The diagnosis process will begin with a detailed review of your medical history, including risk factors, symptoms, and family medical information. Additionally, a comprehensive physical examination of your head and neck will help identify any abnormalities like lumps, swelling, or changes in mucosal surfaces.

The diagnosis process will also include:

• Imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. They help visualize the size and location of the tumors.
• Blood tests to assess your overall health. Specific tests, such as HPV testing, may be conducted based on clinical indications.
• Biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure to confirm the cancer's presence, determine its type, and assess its characteristics.
• Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a light and a camera to help visualize the interior of the throat, larynx, or other structures in the head and neck.
• Staging is done to evaluate the size of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis (spread of cancer).

The treatment of head and neck cancers involves a personalized and interdisciplinary approach that is tailored to the specific type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. 

Potential treatment options for head and neck cancer may include:

• Surgery: It involves surgical procedures to remove the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: It involves the use of a single drug or a combination of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs are used to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
• Immunotherapy: It boosts your body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

It is important to note that these approaches may be used as standalone treatments or in combination with each other. 

Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for the treatment of head and neck cancer. At Kimball Health Services, Dr. William O. Dickey provides expert and personalized treatment for various types of head and neck cancer. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. To schedule a consultation with our healthcare providers, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.