Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery General Information Faculty/Staff Directory Educational Programs Clinical Programs Research Programs Special Services Head and Neck Cancer Center Information Page
What is Head and Neck Cancer? "Head and Neck Cancer" describes a variety of malignant tumors that occur in the head and neck region. The term malignant defines these tumors as having the ability to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. Tumors from other parts of the body can spread to the head and neck region as well. By definition, head and neck cancer excludes brain tumors; those are usually treated by neurosurgeons and associated specialties. Early symptoms of head and neck cancer Early symptoms might be a (list not complete) sore in the throat that does not heal especially with pain radiating to the ear, growth in the mouth, lump in the neck, cough or hoarseness, sore throat that does not improve, coughing up blood. When cancers spread they initially go to the lymph nodes. A lump in the neck (enlarged lymph node) which does not go away may be the first indication of a head and neck cancer. It is important to realize that illnesses other than cancer can cause these symptoms, and that cancer may arise even in the absence of these symptoms. If you are concerned about an abnormality, it is important to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a complete examination. Diagnosis of Head and neck cancer Head and neck cancer is diagnosed by a combination of the history and physical examination, various imaging studies (CAT scans, MRI scans), endoscopy and biopsies of the tumor. The biopsy is often the most important piece of information. It involves cutting a small piece of the tumor and sending this piece to the pathologist for microscopic examination. If the suspicious region is in the mouth, the biopsy can often be done in the office. However, if there are concerns about regions deeper in the throat, the biopsy will probably be done in the operating room under a general anesthetic. Along with biopsies of suspicious lesions, it is also important to examine the entire throat for any sign of other cancers. This is usually done with a general anesthetic in the operating room in a procedure called "endoscopy." Endoscopy consists of a careful examination of the lining of the mouth, throat, esophagus and lungs. In some cases, imaging studies can be done in place of the endoscopy, but this may vary according to each institution's or each physician's preference. Early diagnosis leads to improved chances of cure. Treatment for head and neck cancer Treatment options are very dependent on the type of tumor, where it has occurred, and how large the tumor is. The goal in all cancer treatment is to remove the tumor with as little damage as possible to important structures in the head and neck. For many tumors treatment involves a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. There are some tumors that are treated best with only radiation therapy, and others that can be totally cured with surgery alone. There are too many variables to describe in general how a head and neck tumor is best treated, and each case must be considered on an individual basis by your physicians. Back What do professional organizations say? American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery American Head and Neck Society American Cancer Society CANCER Net (National Cancer Institute)	Information about Head & Neck diseases What is Head and Neck Cancer? Skin Ear/Temporal Bone Skull Base Lip and Oral Cavity Pharynx: nasopharynx Pharynx: oropharynx Pharynx: hypopharynx Larynx Paranasal sinus Salivary Gland Thyroid Gland Parathyroid Gland Cervical esophagus Neck/Associated Structures Malignant melanoma For Temple's Patients: Outpatient Department Appointments Office Hours Surgical Services Special Services What new patients should know! How to find us ...

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