Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a range of malignant tumors that can appear in or around the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, and mouth.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order.
Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor.
People with head and neck cancer often experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with head and neck cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer.
- Swelling or sore that does not heal, the most common symptom
- Red or white patch in the mouth
- Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area, with or without pain
- Persistent sore throat
- Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Nasal obstruction or persistent nasal congestion
- Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Double vision
- Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head and neck region
- Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue
- Ear and/or jaw pain
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm, which is mucus discharged in mouth from respiratory passages
- Loosening of teeth
- Dentures that no longer fit
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are concerned about one or more of the symptoms or signs on this list, please talk with your doctor.
Moore Regional Hospital offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, surgery, biologic therapy and support for patients with head and neck cancer.