Head and Neck Cancer

What kinds of cancers are considered cancers of the head and neck?
The majority of head and neck cancers develop from the mucous membranes that line the various areas of the head and neck including the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity and sinuses. The cells that comprise the mucous membranes are called squamous cells, and cancers occurring from these cells are called squamous cell carcinomas. Some head and neck cancers begin in other types of cells. For example, cancers that begin in glandular cells, such as the saliva glands, are called adenocarcinomas. Other cancers in the head and neck may develop from the skin, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland.

What are my risks for developing head and neck cancer?
Risk factors for head and neck cancer are tobacco use (including chewing or smokeless tobacco), alcohol use, unprotected exposure to radiation (other than routine x-ray studies), a family history of head and neck cancer, and certain chemical exposures such as asbestos, nickel and polyvinyl chloride. While tobacco use accounts for the majority of head and neck cancers, the use of tobacco and alcohol together results in a much greater risk than using one or the other substance alone.

What are common symptoms of head and neck cancer?
When early symptoms are present they can be subtle and may mimic more common ailments. These symptoms may be easily dismissed as inconsequential. The first signs may be noticed by your doctor or dentist during a regular checkup. Some early symptoms of head and neck cancer include, but are not limited to:
* any sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal
* neck or jaw pain that radiates to the ear
* abnormal growth in the mouth
* a lump in the neck that doesn't go away
* cough or hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
* sore throat that does not improve
* coughing up blood
Later symptoms may include difficulty or pain with swallowing, unintentional weight loss and difficulty breathing. Each of these symptoms could be caused by many illnesses other than cancer, if you have any of the above symptoms make an appointment with your doctor.

How do I make an appointment to be screened?
If you would like to contact us or make an appointment, please call: Alison Seiz, RN, AOCN, APN at 217-545-8529, Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm.

How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?
Once head and neck cancer is suspected, there are several steps that are taken. First the doctor will take a complete medical history and physical examination. A detailed examination of the head and neck, including direct visualization of the nasal cavity, sinuses, tongue base and voice box, should be performed by an otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon, a physician that specializes in the treatment of head and neck disorders. Blood work, x-rays (CAT scans and/or MRI) and biopsies of the tumor or area of concern are often ordered. Sometimes an endoscopy, done under general anesthesia in the hospital, needs to be done in order to view and access areas for biopsy. Biopsies are critical obtaining an accurate diagnosis and determining the actual type of cancer.

How are head and neck cancers treated?
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. Standard treatment options consist of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments. Treatment often involves an interdisciplinary approach with surgical and medical specialists including a head and neck surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist. This interdisciplinary approach will assist the patient with optimizing and coordinating treatment on an individualized basis. A surgeon may remove the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed (lymph node dissection), if the doctor suspects that the cancer has spread. Surgery may be followed by radiation treatment and sometimes chemotherapy depending on the stage of the disease.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. In chemotherapy, anticancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Are clinical trials (research studies) available for patients with head and neck cancers?
Clinical trials and contact person are listed on the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Otolaryngology web site.

More information on clinical trials can be found at the web sites of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society

Where can I find more information online?

National Cancer Institute (NCI) :
Cancer.gov, the National Cancer Institute's Web site, provides accurate, up-to-date information on many types of cancer, information on clinical trials, resources for people dealing with cancer, and information for researchers and health professionals.

American Cancer Society:
A nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting cancer through research,
education, advocacy, patient service and rehabilitation.

Cancerpage.com:
Created for cancer patients and their loved ones, Cancerpage.com provides news, research and information on cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

CancerSource.com:
CancerSource.com provides a wide range of information and services on specific cancer topics. Here are some Bone and Soft Tissue-Related links to CancerSource.com:

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC):
SPOHNC is a patient-directed, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients.

Oral Cancer Foundation:
The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support.