Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Head and Neck Cancer ?
Head and neck cancer refers to the group of cancers that develop in areas like the mouth, throat, voice box, nose or nearby structures. They begin when cells in these areas start to grow and divide abnormally, sometimes forming a tumor.
Certain factors, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and long-term HPV infection, can increase risk. If you or someone you care about has concerns, specialists at LifeBridge Health’s cancer centers can answer questions, provide clarity in diagnosis and support you through treatment.
Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer begins. Early signs of head and neck cancers may feel similar to common conditions like infections or allergies.
You might experience:
- A lasting sore in the mouth or throat
- A lump or swelling in the neck, face or mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Persistent sore throat
- Ear pain
- Nasal blockage or frequent nosebleeds
- Unintended weight loss
How Head and Neck Cancer is Diagnosed
Evaluation usually begins with a physical exam. Several follow-up tests can help confirm a diagnosis and understand how advanced the cancer is.
Physical Exam
Your provider examines the head and neck, checking for lumps, sores or other changes.
Endoscopy
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside the nose, throat or voice box. This allows for close examination of areas that are hard to see during a routine exam.
Imaging Tests
CT scans, MRI or PET scans help show the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Biopsy
A small tissue sample is removed for examination under a microscope. This is the key step in confirming head and neck cancers.
HPV Testing
Some tumors are tested for HPV. These results can help guide treatment planning and provide more information about prognosis.
Blood Tests
While they cannot diagnose cancer on their own, blood tests may be used to assess overall health and guide treatment decisions.
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment depends on where exactly the cancer is located, how advanced it is and your overall health. Because care options can affect speaking, swallowing, eating and appearance, our providers work together across disciplines to evaluate each option and explain what they may mean for your daily life and recovery.
Your personalized plan may include one or more of the following treatments.
Surgery
Surgery removes the cancer and, in some cases, nearby tissue or lymph nodes. Reconstructive procedures and rehabilitation services may help restore appearance or function when needed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or combined with other treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used to support radiation or in more advanced cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
Immunotherapy
Some head and neck cancers respond to immunotherapy, which uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy tissue.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.