Head and neck cancer

Oncologists treat head and neck tumors at Medical City Plano and may incorporate ear, nose and throat services to provide total care. The types of head and neck cancer treated at our hospitals include:

• Thyroid cancers: Cancers of the thyroid develop in the gland at the base of the neck.
• Pituitary tumors: Pituitary tumors, which develop in the pituitary gland, are usually noncancerous and don't grow beyond the skull.
• Parathyroid cancers: Parathyroid cancers, which are very rare, affect the parathyroid glands found at the base of the neck.
• Oral cancers: Oral cancers, also called mouth cancers, can develop in any part of the mouth.
• Throat cancers: This category includes cancers of the throat and tonsils. The most common type of throat cancer grows from the flat cells that line the throat.
• Voice box cancers: Also called laryngeal cancer, this type of cancer affects the larynx or voice box.
• Salivary cancers: This category includes any type of cancer that affects the salivary glands.
• Skull base tumors: Skull base tumors are categorized by type (cancerous or noncancerous) and location.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, don't assume it's due to cancer. Most of these symptoms can be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Only a head and neck cancer specialist can accurately diagnose your symptoms and determine if you have cancer.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• Swelling or a lump in the neck: An enlarging lump in the lower neck may be due to a thyroid nodule. The lump may be painless or painful.
• Neck pain: As thyroid cancer grows, it may put pressure on nearby nerves and structures, causing pain. The pain may irritate nerves, causing the sensation of pain to run from the area of the thyroid all the way up to the ears.
• Hoarse voice: Pressure from an enlarging thyroid on the nearby voice box may cause the voice to sound hoarse.
• Noisy breathing or wheezing: When the thyroid enlarges enough to press against the trachea (windpipe), your breathing may sound harsh, raspy or wheezy.
• Cough: Pressure from a thyroid tumor on the trachea may also cause you to cough.
• Difficulty swallowing: If the thyroid expands enough to put pressure on the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth into the stomach), you may have difficulty swallowing.

Several factors can lead to cancer development, but the two most important 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.

Through our oncology program, we offer a range of treatment options for head and neck cancer. Your physician will discuss nonsurgical and surgical options, and we'll recommend additional resources and care to help you through your cancer journey.

Nonsurgical options for cancer care include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments may be combined, and your care plan may also include surgery.

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.

We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health. That's why cancer support groups are a major part of cancer care at Medical City Healthcare. 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.