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Head and neck cancers refer to cancerous growths that develop in the cells and structures of the throat, nose, mouth, and other areas around the head and neck. These cancers can affect a person's ability to eat, breathe, and speak. Like other cancers, head and neck cancers can grow in size, spread to lymph nodes, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment for head and neck cancers will depend on the type of cancer, as well as the location, size, and stage. It will also depend on a person's age, overall health, and their treatment preferences. Cancer treatments have potential benefits and potential side effects that need to be considered and discussed with a healthcare provider.
What healthcare providers will you work with?
If you or a loved one is living with a head and neck cancer, your best source of information will be your healthcare providers. Treatment for head and neck cancer typically involves a multidisciplinary team of different healthcare professionals with different specialties. This includes surgeons, oncologists, dental specialists, and otolaryngologists—medical doctors who specialize in conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. As with the treatment of any condition, nurses play an essential role in care.
What are the treatment options?
Here are some of the treatment options that a person with head and neck cancer may discuss with their healthcare provider:
- Surgery. Surgery is often used to remove the tumor and affected surrounding tissues. The extent of surgery depends on the location and stage of the cancer. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore form and function.
- Radiation therapy. This treatment involves using high-energy radiation to break down cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is often used to target the primary tumor site and nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to break down cancer cells or stop their growth. It’s commonly used in combination with radiation therapy (an approach called chemoradiotherapy).
- Targeted therapy. This type of treatment targets specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth of cancer cells. It can be used in cases where the cancer has specific genetic mutations or overexpressed proteins.
- Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It has shown promising results in the treatment of head and neck cancer, particularly in cases where other treatments have not been effective.
Other important aspects of treatment include lifestyle changes and follow-up care. Anyone who smokes or uses tobacco products should quit—and work with their healthcare provider to find an effective means of quitting. Smoking is associated with worse outcomes and a higher rate of recurrence.
Follow up care includes appointments to monitor for signs that the cancer has recurred and any long-term side effects from treatment.
Other aspects of treatment
Maintaining a good quality of life and addressing the ways that head and neck cancer can impact mental health are other important aspects of treatment. Clinical dietitians, speech therapists, mental health professionals, and social workers can all play an important role in treatment. Participating in a support group can also help a person cope with the challenges of living with cancer and connect with others who have gone through a similar experience.
