Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer services offered in Chelmsford, Concord and Woburn, MA and Nashua and Derry, NH

There are various types of head and neck cancer that can cause damage to structures in your throat, mouth, and elsewhere above the shoulders. At Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates in Chelmsford, Woburn, and Concord, Massachusetts, as well as Nashua and Derry, New Hampshire, the team of expert ear, nose, and throat specialists treats head and neck cancer using evidence-based therapies and surgery. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in any of the structures above the shoulders. There are multiple types of head and neck cancer, and the team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating them.

Some of the most common types of head and neck cancer are:

Laryngeal cancer
Salivary gland cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer
Mouth cancers
Oropharyngeal cancer
Tonsil cancer

Most of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they occur in the flat cells near the surface of the tissue. When these cancers spread beyond their original borders, they can potentially go into other organs and systems like your lungs or lymph nodes.

What are some early signs of head and neck cancer?

It’s important to recognize possible signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer because an early diagnosis means easier and more effective treatment. Cancer that has metastasized requires more complex care and is more difficult to treat.

Some possible early signs of head and neck cancer are:

Persistent sore throat
Headaches
Ear pain
Trouble hearing
Hoarseness
Frequent coughing
Swallowing issues
Frequent nose bleeds
Trouble breathing

Of course, symptoms like these are not exclusive to head and neck cancer and could indicate many other conditions involving the same structures. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates evaluates you with advanced diagnostic testing like biopsies, X-rays, endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT) scans.

How are head and neck cancers treated?

The treatment you get for head and neck cancer at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates may consist of more than one strategy, depending on the location and stage of your cancer.

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for head and neck cancers. Your surgeon removes the cancerous cells from the initial location. Other treatments serve to kill cancer cells in that area or throughout the body if it has spread.

Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are all treatments for cancer that help eliminate cancer cells. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates provides the regular follow-up care you need even if all signs of cancer are gone.

To schedule an appointment for a head and neck cancer evaluation, call Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates or book online today.