Our Head and Neck Surgery Division specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the head and neck. Finding a swelling or lump in your neck or a swelling or growth in your throat can be very frightening. You need to get it checked right away. Early detection and treatment can save your life.
Factoid:
Did you know?
If cancer of the mouth or throat is detected early enough it can be treated with surgery, laser therapy and or radiation with a cure rate of 90-95%
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer:
Risk factors for head and neck cancer:
Diagnosis:
Treatments:
When cancer is diagnosed early, it will often require less aggressive treatment.
Factoid:
Did you know?
If cancer of the mouth or throat is detected early enough it can be treated with surgery, laser therapy and or radiation with a cure rate of 90-95%
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer:
- Swelling or lump in the neck
- Persistent sore or growth in the mouth
- Change in voice or hoarseness lasting greater than two weeks
- Throat pain or pain on swallowing lasting greater than 10 days
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent earache
- Blood coming up from the throat
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk factors for head and neck cancer:
- Use of tobacco products including cigarettes, dipping and chewing tobacco, cigars, heavy and or prolonged use of alcoholic beverages.
- Exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV) – same virus that causes most cervical cancers. Research indicates that infection with this virus is becoming an increasingly common risk factor for some types of head and neck cancer.
- Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
Diagnosis:
- Early diagnosis is important for survival of head and neck cancer
- Thorough exam
- X-rays
- Biopsy
Treatments:
When cancer is diagnosed early, it will often require less aggressive treatment.
- Laser therapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy