Head & Neck

About 4% of all cancers in the United States involve the head and neck. At Arizona Center for Cancer Care, diagnostic testing services are available to confirm the type of cancer you have. The providers treat many types of head and neck cancers, including sinus and voice box cancers, using radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. Call one of the offices in Avondale, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Apache Junction, Sun City, Tempe, or Sun City West, Arizona, \to schedule a head and neck cancer evaluation. You can also book an in-office appointment or telemedicine visit online at any time.

What are head and neck cancers?

Head and neck cancers generally start in the mucosal lining of areas of your head and neck, such as in your:

• Throat
• Sinuses
• Oral cavity
• Voice box (larynx)
• Salivary glands

These types of cancers can also grow and spread outside of the original location and into nearby lymph nodes.

Your risk for developing head and neck cancers can increase if you have a family history of cancer or because of genetic disorders, tobacco or alcohol use, or a history of exposure to chemicals or toxins. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can spread through oral sex and trigger tongue cancer or other types of oral cancers.

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancers?

Head and neck cancers cause symptoms that typically don’t go away. Depending on the type of cancer you have, you might experience unexplained issues like:

• Throat pain
• Swallowing difficulties
• Trouble speaking or breathing
• Chronic sinus infections
• Facial numbness or paralysis
• White or red patches on your tongues or gums

Head and neck cancers can also cause visible lumps in your mouth or throat that interfere with swallowing and speaking. 

Arizona Center for Cancer Care offers comprehensive diagnostic testing to confirm head or neck cancer. You may need X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or other diagnostic imaging tests to assess the progression of the cancer.

Based on the results of your testing, your provider customizes a treatment plan to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading outside of your head or neck.

How are head and neck cancers treated?

Your treatment plan for head and neck cancers depends on the location of your cancer and how advanced your condition is.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care offers several treatment options, including:

• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

If these treatments aren’t enough to treat your condition, you may be a candidate for surgery to remove cancerous cells or tumors from your head or neck. The surgeon can remove nearby lymph nodes to prevent cancer from spreading.

Because treating head and neck cancers can alter your ability to eat, speak, and breathe, the Arizona Center for Cancer Care specialists provide resources that help you make the most informed decisions about your care.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care also offers access to clinical trials to test new cancer medications. The specialists can determine if you’re a candidate for trial participation during your consultation.

To schedule a consultation for head or neck cancer, call the Arizona Center for Cancer Care office nearest you or book an appointment online today.