Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers of the head and neck can develop in a variety of areas, such as the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands, thyroid or parathyroid. This group of cancers also includes skin cancers of the head and neck region. The symptoms of head and neck cancers vary according to the part of the body where the cancer occurs.

Common symptoms may include:

• A sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal
• Persistent sore throat
• Changes to the voice or persistent hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing

At MultiCare, our ear, nose and throat specialists (also known as otolaryngologists) work in close collaboration with our oncology teams to offer comprehensive care for patients with head and neck cancers.

When diagnosing head and neck cancers, you may need to undergo one or more tests, including:

• Biopsy
• Fine needle aspiration, a type of biopsy where a thin needle is inserted into bodily tissue to collect a sample
• Flexible laryngoscopy, where a flexible scope is inserted into the nose to examine the throat and voice box

Treatment for head and neck cancers depends on several factors, including the location, type and severity of the cancer as well as your overall health. For many patients, treatment may involve surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue, as necessary. Our surgeons have expertise in using advanced techniques, such as transoral robotic surgery for cancers of the mouth and throat, and endoscopic laser surgery for cancers affecting the voice box.

Treatment for head and neck cancers may also involve nonsurgical approaches, such as radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. During or after treatment, you may work with specialists, such as speech language pathologists, who can help with voice and swallowing issues. Your care team will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that supports your quality of life while helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Head and neck cancers tend to be more common among men than women, and are more frequently diagnosed in those over the age of 50 than younger populations, according to the National Cancer Institute. While there is no routine screening test for head and neck cancers, dentists may inspect the mouth area for signs of cancer during a checkup.

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include alcohol and tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and others. HPV is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the mouth and pharynx, or throat) in the United States. The HPV vaccine is a helpful tool in preventing head and neck cancers caused by strains of this virus.