Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer care in North Texas
We work to help you restore your health with our personalized cancer treatment.
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at Medical City Healthcare can address many types of head and neck cancer. Our compassionate oncologists take a comprehensive approach to your care that may include cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures.
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.
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.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Types of head and neck cancer we treat
Our oncologists treat many types of head and neck cancer, including:
- Laryngeal cancer
- Malignant melanoma
- Oral cavity cancer
- Oral cavity tumors
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Parathyroid cancer
- Pharyngeal (throat) cancer
- Salivary gland tumors
- Thyroid cancer
Our head and neck cancer services
Through our oncology program, we offer you and your loved ones a range of resources and treatment options for head and neck cancer.
Causes of head and neck cancer
Several factors can lead to cancer development, but the two most prominent risk factors for head and neck cancers are alcohol and tobacco use. Other risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV), a high intake of preserved or salted foods, poor oral hygiene, prior radiation exposure and a family history of cancer.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer
Most of these symptoms can be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Only a head and neck cancer specialist can diagnose your symptoms and determine if you have cancer.
Symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
- Cough — Pressure from a thyroid tumor on the trachea may cause you to cough.
- Difficulty swallowing — If your thyroid expands enough to put pressure on your esophagus, you may have difficulty swallowing.
- Hoarse voice — Pressure from an enlarging thyroid on the nearby voice box may cause your voice to sound hoarse.
- Neck pain — As thyroid cancer grows, it may put pressure on nearby nerves and structures and irritate your nerves. This causes the sensation of pain to run from the area of the thyroid all the way up to your ears.
- Noisy breathing or wheezing — When the thyroid enlarges enough to press against your trachea, your breathing may sound harsh, raspy or wheezy.
- Swelling or a lump in the neck — A potentially uncomfortable lump in your lower neck may be due to a thyroid nodule.
Head and neck cancer treatment
Your physician will discuss nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, as well as recommend additional resources to help you through your cancer journey.
Nonsurgical treatment options
Nonsurgical options for cancer care can include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments may also be used before or after surgery.
Surgical treatment options
A surgical oncologist may remove all or part of an organ affected by cancer. For example, if you have thyroid cancer, you may undergo a thyroidectomy to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
Cancer support
We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health, so our cancer support groups are a major part of cancer care program. If you've just learned about a cancer diagnosis, are supporting a loved one through treatment or are transitioning into survivorship, we can connect you with a local community for ongoing care.
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
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 (972) 202-8877.
Looking for a location?
Our Locations
We didn't find any facilities that matched your search
Please enter a new search using more specific search criteria.