Head & Neck

For head and neck cancers, it’s important to have the support of experienced specialists for the best possible outcomes. At Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, Michael Marchese, MD, FACRO, Hemangini Shah, DO, FACRO, and their team are dedicated to patient-centered head and neck cancer care. To learn more about head and neck cancer care and schedule your consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What are head and neck cancers?

These cancers typically include those that develop in the sinuses, salivary glands, mouth, and throat. However, other cancers in the head and neck may also be included.

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancers?

If your mouth or throat is impacted, you may notice:

• Loose teeth
• A hoarse voice
• A slow-healing sore in the mouth
• Pain with swallowing
• Coughing up blood
• A painless lump in the neck

Other symptoms might include:

• Nosebleeds
• A constantly stuffy or blocked nose
• Ear pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• A slow-healing sore on your lips, face, or neck

What increases my risk for head and neck cancers?

These factors increase your risk:

Tobacco

Exposure to tobacco in any form can increase your risk of cancer. Some examples include chewing tobacco, snuff, cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. 

Alcohol

Drinking heavily or often makes you more likely to develop head and neck cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Exposure to HPV may cause cell changes that lead to cancer, especially throat cancers.

Airborne chemicals

Breathing in chemicals at work or home increases the risk of cancer in the sinuses and nose.

The sun produces ultraviolet light that increases your chances of developing skin cancer on your head or neck. Unfortunately, tanning beds also give off ultraviolet light, so a healthy glow to your skin might come at an unhealthy price.

How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?

Head and neck cancers are usually diagnosed by an ear, nose and throat specialist who will perform a biopsy ofthe suspicious area. If the biopsy is positive, then staging work-up may be ordered. This can include CT scans or MRI of the head and neck regions and PET/CT scans.

What treatments are available for head and neck cancers?

Some cancers are treated with radiation therapy alone. These include early stage cancers of the larynx or tonsil, tongue or other sites. These cancers can often be treated with surgery, but surgery can be more disfiguring or cause permanent changes to your voice if it is a vocal cord cancer. For larger cancers or those that have spread to the lymph nodes radiation therapy is often used along with chemotherapy or immunotherapy to obtain the highest cure rate. Radiation therapy is also used for later stage cancers after surgery. This reduces the risk of cancer recurrences. Dr. Marchese and Dr. Shah, work closely with the surgeons and medical oncologists to coordinate treatment and deliver the best possible outcome.

Head and neck cancers can take a large toll physically and emotionally, so it is crucial to work with a dedicated and compassionate team. The radiation oncologists at Shore Point will do their best to cure the cancer to minimize side effects. The latest technology with image guidance/intensity modulated radiation therapy is used to precisely treat the targeted areas while minimizing dose to the normal surrounding tissues. The radiation oncologists will at Shore Point will monitor the tumor closely and make changes to the treatment plan as often as necessary, as head and neck cancers often shrink during the treatment course.

For individualized expert care for head and neck cancers call Shore Point Radiation Oncology to discuss your treatment options or obtain a second opinion.