Head and Neck Cancer 

Head and neck cancers start in the mouth, nose/sinuses, head, skin, thyroid gland or throat. While  other types of cancers fall into this  group, they share some risk factors and treatment options. 

Head and neck cancers may affect how you swallow, breathe, speak or hear. Men are more likely to get head and neck cancer, but cases are increasing in women. They are most often diagnosed in people over age 50.

What kind of providers treat head and neck cancer?

If you have head and neck cancer, your treatment team may include head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neuroradiologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, speech pathologists, audiologists, nutritionists, psychologists and social workers.

What causes head and neck cancer?

The leading causes of head and neck cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cancer that strikes the soft palate, parts of the throat, the tonsils and the back of the tongue (oropharyngeal cancer).

Learn more about head and neck cancer causes, risk factors and prevention.

What are the signs, symptoms and types of head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer can affect the mouth, throat, larynx, thyroid, salivary glands, skin, nose, sinuses, skull, ears, eyes or neck.

With head and neck cancer, you might not have any symptoms. Or you may notice symptoms like a sore throat that doesn’t go away, a neck mass, trouble chewing or swallowing.

With early detection, you may be able to have simpler and more successful treatment. Seek medical care if you notice any symptoms.

Learn more about head and neck cancer signs, symptoms and types. 

How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Health care providers use methods such as physical exams, blood tests, biopsy and imaging studies to diagnose head and neck cancer and find out if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Learn more about head and neck cancer tests, diagnosis and stages.

How is head and neck cancer treated?

Your provider might recommend surgery ( along with advanced reconstructive surgery), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, precision radiation therapy or other treatments. 

Learn more about head and neck cancer treatment and support. 

Head and Neck Reconstructive Program

The Head and Neck Reconstructive Program treats people who have a functional disability or physical disfigurement caused by their head and neck cancer treatment. These issues could be caused by surgery or radiation treatment on any part of the head and neck.

Learn more about our Head and Neck Reconstructive Program.  

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