Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers We Treat

Head and neck cancer can refer to a variety of cancer types that grow throughout a patient’s head and neck areas, including in the oral cavity, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity, and more. However, there are cancers that grow in and around this area (such as in the brain, eyes, esophagus, thyroid, and skin) that are typically not classified as head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer usually begins to present through symptoms such as a lump in the neck, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in the voice, among others. Because of the variety of cancer types and systems that can be affected in this region, it’s important to make note of any of these symptoms as they appear, and to schedule an appointment with a trusted physician if your symptoms continue to persist.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 71,100 Americans will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2024. The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer is approximately 70 to 90%, providing that the cancer is detected at Stage I or Stage II of growth. The earlier that a case of head and neck cancer is identified, the better the chance is of the cancer being able to be treated successfully. Because of this, it’s recommended that a person undergo regular screenings with their physician and notify their health team immediately if they suspect they may have symptoms indicative of head and neck cancer. 

What to Expect with Head and Neck Cancer

The most common types of head and neck cancer diagnoses typically include oral cancer, cancer of the nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal (upper-throat) cancer, oropharyngeal (middle-throat) cancer, hypopharyngeal (lower-throat) cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Less common types of head and neck cancer include:

• Salivary gland cancers
• Paranasal sinus cancer

Regardless of which type of head and neck cancer that you’ve been diagnosed with, it’s important to make an appointment right away with a qualified health team that will help you to establish a customized treatment plan. For more information about scheduling your first appointment, and for what to expect at your first visit and beyond, visit the “For Patients” page on our website.

Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer

There are a number of factors that can cause a person to be at an increased risk for head and neck cancers. Some of these risk factors include:

• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Occupational exposure (ie: proximity to wood dust, asbestos, and heavy metals)
• Radiation exposure
• Family history
• Genetic disorders (such as Fanconi anemia)

If one or more of these risk factors apply to you, it’s imperative that you undergo regular screening for head and neck cancers, and that you reach out to your health team immediately if you suspect you may be dealing with any of the associated symptoms mentioned above.

Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Treatment for head and neck cancer can depend on a number of factors, including the specific type of cancer, the area affected, the stage of growth that the cancer has reached, whether or not the patient has a family history of that cancer, and more. Typically, treatment will include radiation therapy, used in combination with other treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and others.

Evansville Cancer Center is proud to offer a variety of cancer technologies, including:

• TrueBeam
• Brachytherapy
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• RapidArc

Even after having a clear course of treatment, most patients are eager to know what to expect from radiation treatment. Fortunately, radiation treatment is typically performed quickly, able to accommodate patient’s schedules, and can be done with minimal discomfort. Common side effects from head and neck cancer radiation may include:

• Redness
• Skin irritation
• Swelling
• Changes in taste/appetite
• Dry mouth
• Thickening of saliva
• Nausea
• Earaches

While many patients complete radiation treatment with few or no side effects, your health team will work with you to create a treatment plan that maximizes your treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing your symptoms. These side effects can be effectively managed through medication, and, when necessary, changes to your treatment regimen.

Our Cancer Care Technologies

We treat patients using proven technologies in radiation oncology, including TrueBeam®, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), RapidArc®, Brachytherapy, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Click below to learn about each of our cancer care technologies.