Head and neck cancer

Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death from head and neck cancer. This includes not only smoking but also using smokeless tobacco or spit tobacco.

E-cigarettes and vaping products might also pose health risks and shouldn't be considered a safe alternative to smoking. Alcohol is another common cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and tongue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many cancers of the tonsils, tongue and back of the mouth are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. The CDC also states that the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause oropharyngeal cancers, so it might also prevent these cancers.

Head and neck cancers usually begin in the cells that line the surfaces of your mouth, throat and voice box. Early detection is key to treating these types of cancer successfully.

Although symptoms can vary according to the type of cancer, the following symptoms are the most common:

• Bleeding – In some cases, bleeding in your mouth is caused by tumors in your nose, mouth, throat or lungs.
• Changes in your skin – Skin cancers, such as Basal cell skin cancer, can start as a small, pale patch on your skin that slowly enlarges over time. Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. However, this type of cancer is rarely serious if diagnosed and treated early.
• Difficulty swallowing – Cancers that begin in the throat or esophagus can make it difficult to swallow. If have a problem swallowing every time you try to eat, schedule an appointment to see a doctor.
• Earache that doesn't go away – Persistent earaches can be a sign of tumor growth or an infection in your throat. Visit an ear, nose and throat specialist if a persistent earache is accompanied by painful swallowing, hoarseness or a lump in your neck.
• Growth in your mouth – A sore in your mouth or swelling in your tongue could be a sign of cancer. These sores might be painless but could still signify a tumor or cancer. If you have an ulcer or swelling in your mouth or tongue that persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to consult a physician.
• Lump in your neck – Typically, cancers that are first present in the head or neck travel to the lymph nodes in your neck before spreading to other parts of the body. A lump in your neck might be the first sign of cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx, thyroid gland or salivary glands. See a doctor as soon as possible if a lump in your neck remains for two weeks or more.
• Voice changes – The majority of cancers that develop in your voice box cause a change in your voice. Most voice changes aren't caused by cancer, but if you're hoarse or your voice changes persist for more than two weeks, you need to see a doctor.

Our cancer specialists offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual situation. We prioritize doing whatever we can to help you on your health journey.

Our head and neck cancer services include the following:

• 3D imaging
• Advanced microscopes
• Intraoperative imaging
• Laser
• Navigation systems
• Robotic surgical systems
• Tissue biopsy and pathology

Throughout our network, our multidisciplinary cancer care teams work together to provide you an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for head and neck cancer. Our team members have years of technical training and experience in treating complex head and neck cancers. Each week, our team meets at our interdisciplinary case conference to collaborate and provide additional insight and expertise for each patient's cancer care plan.

In addition to our ENT oncologists, team members include:

• Dentists
• Head and neck surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Nutritional therapists
• Oral surgeons
• Otolaryngologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Reconstructive surgeons
• Speech, voice and swallowing therapists
• Social workers

Although many of our hospitals offer head and neck cancer care, Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at Swedish Medical Center offers advanced treatment for benign and cancerous head and neck tumors at The Head and Neck Cancer Care Center.

Our specialized team offers clinical expertise and supportive care to patients throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Additionally, our nurse navigators provide personalized support and guidance throughout your cancer journey.

Advanced treatment for head and neck cancers

We offer comprehensive medical treatments and leading surgical techniques, including:

• Chemotherapy that is tailored to your cancer
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy to reduce damage to surrounding tissues
• Microsurgical reconstructive surgery to improve appearance and function
• Minimally invasive surgery, including robot-assisted procedures, to reduce recovery time and visible incisions
• Molecular profiling/pathology
• Stereotactic radiosurgery for precise nonsurgical treatment
• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to remove malignant and benign tumors

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.