
Cancers of the head and neck are tumors that begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, membranes inside the head and neck and include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, and nose/nasal passages. This type of head and neck cancer is called squamous cell cancers. If a cancer is limited to the squamous layer of cells, it is called carcinoma in situ. If the cancer has grown beyond this cell layer and moved into the deeper tissue, then it is called invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
More uncommon are cancers that begin in the salivary glands, of which there are many types, most commonly adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The board-certified radiology oncologists at Mat-Su Valley Comprehensive Cancer Center are experienced in treating cancers of the head and neck through the use of the most sophisticated and effective cancer treatments. Specifically, head and neck cancers are broken down into the areas in which they originate.
Other types of cancer, such as brain, esophageal, or thyroid cancers can occur in the head and neck areas, but are treated very differently. Head and neck cancer affects only about three percent of all cancers in the U.S. and 74 percent of those diagnosed are men. The five-year survival rate varies depending on many factors, but the average is 50 percent. Incidents of this type of cancer have been declining steadily.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a type head or neck cancer, your board certified Palmer radiation oncologists will work with your medical team to discuss the array of advanced non-surgical radiation treatment options available to you and the success rates with each type. It is common for head and neck cancer to travel, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Treatments may consist of one or a combination of the following:
Treatment options for head and neck cancer are usually based on the tumor’s location and stage, and your age and overall health. Your cancer experts at Mat-Su Valley Comprehensive Cancer Center offer several head and neck cancer treatments based on your individual situation.
There are two avoidable substances that can significantly increase the risk of developing a head and neck cancer:
Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:
Use these links to find out more about head and neck cancer:
Find out more about the types of head and neck cancer and their treatment options in Palmer. Give our cancer experts a call today at 907-707-1333 for a free phone consultation. We’re here to answer all of your questions and explain each type of treatment option clearly. We also have a convenient online message form that you can use to ask your questions or request an appointment. One of our cancer care experts will get back to you within 24 hours. We care about you and make it our mission to help you fight cancer with the latest treatments and technologies available. Call today.