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Head and Neck Cancer

Our cancer specialists are experienced in understanding and treating the complexities of head and neck cancers, which can begin in several areas. 

At North Kansas City Hospital Cancer Center, we’re committed to delivering intensely personal and empathetic care. We will put together a team of professionals across a wide range of disciplines who will work together, utilizing world-class technology and leading-edge procedures to help treat your particular type of cancer.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

The most common type of head and neck cancers are known as squamous cell cancers, which usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces — the inside of the mouth, throat and voice box. Less common cancers begin in the muscles, nerves, salivary glands and sinuses in the head and neck. 

Cancers of the head and neck can form in several different areas:

  • Oral cavity: This is the most common type of head and neck cancer. Oral cavity cancers can affect several areas of the mouth, including the floor and roof of the mouth, gums, inside of the cheeks, lips and the front two-thirds of the tongue.
  • Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: Paranasal sinuses are small, hollow spaces in the bones of your head, surrounding your nose. 
  • Throat (pharynx): The pharynx is a hollow tube that starts behind the nose and ends at the esophagus. The pharynx has three parts. The nasopharynx is the part behind the nose. The oropharynx is the base of the tongue, the back of the mouth and the tonsils. The hypopharynx connects the oropharynx to the gullet and windpipe. Each of these three parts can be affected by cancer.
  • Voice box (larynx): The voice box is situated between the base of the tongue and the trachea. This short passageway contains the vocal cords.

Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors

Researchers have determined that some lifestyle factors, such as using tobacco or drinking alcohol, can increase your risk of multiple types of head and neck cancer. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll develop a disease. Having a risk factor increases your risk.

Common head and neck cancer risk factors include:

  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Exposure to the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease
  • Exposure to ultraviolet light from tanning beds or the sun
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

You may experience head and neck cancer symptoms in the affected area or throughout your body. Having a symptom doesn’t mean you have head and neck cancer. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing one or several of these symptoms.

Head and neck cancer symptoms may include:

  • A lump in your neck, mouth, cheek or jaw
  • A sore in your mouth or on your face, neck or lips that won’t go away
  • Continuing pain in your neck, mouth, cheek, jaw or ear
  • Coughing up blood
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Ear pain or pressure; frequent ear infections
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Full or partial facial numbness
  • Headaches
  • Hearing loss or a ringing sound in the ear
  • Loose teeth
  • Nosebleeds
  • Pain or trouble when swallowing opening your mouth
  • Stuffy nose or congestion, blockage on one side of the nose or post-nasal drip
  • Voice changes or hoarseness
  • Watery eyes, pain around the eyes, a bulging eye or vision problems
  • Weight loss
  • White or red patches on your gums, tongue or mouth’s lining

Diagnostic Tests for Head and Neck Cancer

Our specialists use several tests to diagnose and gather information about your cancer.

Head and neck cancer diagnostic tests may include:

  • Biopsy: A surgeon will remove a small piece of tissue when a suspected cancer is found for examination by a pathologist.
  • Imaging tests: We may request imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI or PET scan to look at suspicious areas. Imaging tests can help us see if the cancer has spread, determine a treatment’s effectiveness and look for signs of cancer returning.
  • Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy: An ear, nose and throat doctor will examine the nasal passages with a thin, flexible fiber-optic tube inserted in the nose. 
  • Physical and dental exam: An ear, nose and throat doctor will feel for any lumps in the cheeks, gums, lips and neck and inspect the nose, mouth, throat and tongue.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Options

Our specialists will work together to create a highly personalized treatment plan for you. Surgery may affect your ability to chew, swallow or talk, or leave parts of the neck and throat feeling numb. We offer treatment for these side effects and more through our on-campus Cancer Rehab and Wellness Center.

Treatments for head and neck cancer include:

  • Chemotherapy, which sends medication throughout the body to stop cancerous cells from growing or multiplying
  • Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells
  • Radiation therapy, which involves high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, and may be used on its own or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy
  • Surgery, which allows us to remove the voice box (called a laryngectomy) or a portion of or the entire tumor
  • Targeted therapy, which uses targeted drugs to interfere with proteins that help tumors grow, divide and spread