Head and neck cancers include malignant diseases of the mouth, nose, and
throat. However, they not include cancers of the brain or eyes. Statistically,
men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, however,
this disease also occurs in women. The Calaway•Young Cancer Center
in Glenwood Springs, CO offers multiple treatment options for men and
women who are fighting head and neck cancer. Our gifted cancer team utilizes
leading therapies to effectively and safely treat malignant tumors. We
invite you or your loved one to call our cancer care facility to learn
more about how we can help you.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers are categorized by the areas in which they are found:
Oral cavity includes the mouth, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, lips,
and the top and bottom of the mouth
Pharynx or throat includes three parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and
larynx. This involves the area behind the nose, soft palate of the mouth,
tongue, tonsils, and lower section of the throat.
Larynx or voice box includes the vocal cords and the epiglottis (small
flap in the back of the mouth)
Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity includes the nose and hollow spaces
of the head surrounding the nose
Salivary glands include the glands that produce saliva, which is near the
base of the mouth
Causes
About 70% of cancers in the oropharynx (mid-part of the throat) are caused
by human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a viral infection that can cause
cancer and other ailments, such as genital warts. There are over 200 forms
of HPVs, but more than 40 are transmitted by vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer include:
A lump in the throat area
Pain when swallowing or eating
Swelling in the jaw
Sores on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth that do not heal
Unusual bleeding
Unexplained ear pain
A feeling like something is caught in the throat
Sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
Problems with dentures
Treatment Options
Calaway•Young Cancer Center offers a wide variety of medical and radiation
treatments for head and neck cancer, including chemotherapy. Each patient
will have an individualized treatment plan that may be comprised of a
combination of treatments and possible surgery. The therapy used will
depend on the location, stage, and size of the tumor.
Fight Against Cancer
Our compassionate team of medical professionals at Calaway•Young Cancer
Center is here to help you or your loved one fight against head and neck
cancer. Call our office to schedule a private consultation with one of
our board-certified oncologists. At Calaway•Young Cancer Center,
we can help you navigate through this difficult time and review all your
treatment options.
