Head and Neck Program

Introduction

 

Although many different cancers can start in the head and neck, the majority are squamous cell carcinomas. These are tumours that begin predominantly in the lining area of the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). They have the capacity to invade tissue locally and to spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Rarely the tumour may spread to other sites beyond the head and neck such as lung or bone.

There are also some rarer tumours of the skull and facial sinus areas, the nose, and the salivary glands. It is important to appreciate that most cancers of the head and neck have the possibility of permanent cure provided the disease has not already spread beyond the head and neck.

 

What should you expect from treatment?

 

The two principal treatment types used for head and neck cancer are radiotherapy and surgery. In some cases, they both need to be used in the same patient. Chemotherapy is often added to augment the effect of radiotherapy in extensive tumours and is especially indicated in patients with many or very large lymph nodes.

Alternatively, in patients with less lymph nodal involvement it may still be possible to use radiotherapy alone even when the primary tumour is extensive. The treatment of choice depends on the site, extent, and cell type (termed the histology) of the cancer.

Head and neck cancers frequently spread to lymph nodes in the neck. The treatment of the neck nodes should be determined in conjunction with the treatment of the primary cancer in the mouth or throat. In general, if the primary cancer is first managed with radiation therapy, the neck nodes are treated with radiation as well. If the nodes resolve completely at the end of treatment, surgery is not necessary. If neck nodes remain at the end of radiation therapy, it is safest to proceed with an operation to remove them.

 

How to make a referral?

A referral can be made to one of the Head and Neck program members directly or via phone/ email through our Contact Us page.