Head and neck cancers can be complex conditions that require expert care. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with one of these types of cancer, you may have many questions. As one of the largest providers of head and neck cancer care in the United States, our expert team is made up of specialists who exclusively diagnose and treat these cancers. Our team will help you manage your disease and navigate different treatment options for it.
What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer is a term for a collection of cancers that can occur almost anywhere in the tissues of the head or neck. Usually, these cancers occur in the mucosal layers of tissues found inside the throat or nose but can occur anywhere in the head and neck region. Therefore, head and neck cancers are further classified into subtypes depending on where they are located.
These subtypes include:
- Throat cancer:
- Laryngeal/larynx cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Tonsil cancer
- Base of tongue cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Oral cancer:
- Lip cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Mandible cancer
- Palate cancer
- Salivary gland cancer:
- Minor salivary gland cancer
- Major salivary gland cancer
- Sinonasal and nasopharyngeal cancer
- Skull-base tumors
- Thyroid cancer
Skin cancer
Each type of head and neck cancer will have its own symptoms and treatment options. It’s important to note that no two cases of head and neck cancer will be the same. Experts at the OSUCCC – James will work directly with you to identify the type of cancer you have and the best treatment plan for it.
What causes head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control and form a tumor.
Your body is made up of building blocks called cells. Your cells contain “instructions” called DNA. DNA tells cells how to grow and replicate. In most people, these cells will grow and reproduce at a normal, healthy rate. However, in some people, the DNA can change, and over time the cells reproduce abnormally. The cells in turn grow out of control and a tumor (cancerous mass) forms as a result.
Excessive alcohol use, smoking cigarettes, HPV infections and sun damage are the greatest risk factors for developing head and neck cancers. However, researchers are still exploring why some people develop these cancers and others don’t.
Head and neck cancer symptoms
Symptoms of head and neck cancer will vary greatly depending on the location and cancer type. It’s important to remember that just because you may have symptoms of one of the cancer subtypes, doesn’t mean you have cancer. Symptoms of head and neck cancers overlap with several other conditions, so if you’re not feeling well, it’s important to see your doctor.
As mentioned, symptoms will vary based on the cancer type. These are just some of the symptoms you may experience. They may include one or more of the following:
- HPV-related head and neck cancer symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain while eating
- Hoarseness or trouble speaking
- Lump in the neck or throat
- Throat cancer symptoms
- Sore throat that doesn’t go away
- Lump in the mouth or throat
- Patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding of the mouth
- Pain and discomfort
- Oropharyngeal cancer symptoms
- Sore throat that doesn’t go away
- Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth
- A lump in the throat
- Unexplained weight loss
- Oral cancer symptoms
- Sores or patches in the mouth or tongue that don’t go away
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty speaking or chewing
- Mouth pain
- Salivary gland cancer symptoms
- Facial pain
- Swelling around the face
- Lumps near or around the neck
- Sinonasal cancer symptoms
- Feeling like nose is blocked
- Bloody noses
- Facial pain
- Headaches
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and they don’t go away within two weeks, you should contact your doctor. They can further evaluate your condition.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for head and neck cancer treatment?
Head and neck cancers require expert care. If you or a loved one have been recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer, our experts can help.
Home to the OSUCCC – James Head and Neck Cancer Program
The OSUCCC – James is one of the country’s largest providers of head and neck cancer care. As the third largest cancer hospital in the United States, the OSUCCC – James Head and Neck Cancer Program brings together experts from different health care backgrounds to treat these conditions. Because we’re one of the most experienced programs in the country, we can manage everything from simple to complex cases. Our program offers a unique Voice and Swallowing Clinic, Cranial Base Center for Skull-base Cancers and other specialized care.
Unique treatments for head and neck cancers
Our renowned specialists from several fields — from surgical oncologists to pharmacists — work together to create individualized treatment plans for each person. We offer many specialized treatments for head and neck cancer, from new surgical techniques to over 20 active clinical trials. We were the first in central Ohio to offer proton therapy, a treatment that may work for some types of head and neck cancer.
Partnerships for the future
OSUCCC – James experts partner with many departments at The Ohio State University to make strides in cancer care. Through these collaborative partnerships, experts including physicians, engineers, chemists and more work together to advance the research and treatment of many types of head and neck cancers. This also includes a unique collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Engineering.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with head and neck cancer and would like to make an appointment, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066.
Related Resources
Prevention
Screening
Head and Neck Clinical Research