Understanding head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers include a group of diverse tumors that affect critical structures such as the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, nasal cavity, sinuses, thyroid and other areas in the head and neck. These cancers can impact your ability to speak, eat, breathe and function — making early diagnosis and expert treatment essential.

At Endeavor Health, our multidisciplinary team delivers specialized, compassionate care tailored to the unique challenges of each diagnosis. We offer the latest advances in minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials, supported by reconstructive surgery, speech and swallowing therapy, nutritionists, navigators and whole-person care.

Senior woman receiving a neck exam

Types of head and neck cancers

Mouth (oral cavity) cancer
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Larynx (voice box) cancer
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Throat (pharynx) cancer
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Thyroid cancer
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Nasal and sinus cancer
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Salivary gland cancer
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Endocrine-related head and neck cancers
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Tests and screenings

Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical in head and neck cancers. Our experts use advanced technology to precisely identify and stage each tumor.

Diagnostic tools may include:

  • Laryngoscopy or endoscopy
  • Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans)
  • Biopsy of tumors or lymph nodes
  • Genetic and molecular testing in some cases

Learn more about diagnostics and screenings

Oral cavity cancer

Oral cavity cancer includes cancers of the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and inside the cheeks. Because these areas play key roles in speaking, chewing and swallowing, early and precise treatment is essential.

  • A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • White or red patches in the mouth
  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Visual and physical exam of the mouth
  • Biopsy of suspicious tissue
  • Imaging studies such as CT or MRI
  • Surgery to remove the tumor, often with reconstructive procedures
  • Radiation therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy
  • Rehabilitation including speech and swallowing therapy
  • Nutrition support and dental care during treatment

Larynx cancer

Larynx (voice box) cancer affects the vocal cords or surrounding tissue. It may impact speech and breathing depending on its location.

  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Sore throat or ear pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Laryngoscopy or endoscopy
  • Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
  • Biopsy of vocal cord tissue
  • Surgery, including transoral laser or robotic surgery (TORS)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy or immunotherapy for advanced cases
  • Voice rehabilitation after treatment and other supportive care

Throat (pharyngeal) cancer

Cancers of the pharynx (throat) include nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Hypopharyngeal cancers are increasingly associated with HPV infection, particularly among non-smokers.

  • Persistent sore throat
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Lump in the neck
  • Coughing up blood
  • Endoscopy to visualize the throat
  • Imaging studies
  • Biopsy for confirmation
  • Surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (when appropriate)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemoradiation (combined approach)
  • Immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy for advanced cases

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland and is typically slow-growing.

  • Lump or swelling in the neck
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Neck pain
  • Neck ultrasound
  • Blood tests for thyroid function
  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
  • Thyroidectomy (surgical removal)
  • Radioactive iodine therapy
  • Systemic therapy (oral targeted therapies)
  • Active surveillance for low-risk cases

Nasal and sinus cancer

These rare tumors form in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses and may cause symptoms that resemble chronic sinus infections.

  • Sinus pressure or congestion
  • Nosebleeds
  • Facial pain or numbness
  • Swelling near the eyes or cheeks
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • CT or MRI imaging
  • Biopsy to confirm cancer
  • Endoscopic or open surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation
  • Reconstructive surgery for complex cases

Salivary gland cancer

Salivary gland tumors may be benign or malignant and often appear as a painless lump in the face, jaw or neck.

  • Lump near the ear, jaw or under the chin
  • Facial weakness or numbness
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
  • Physical exam and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
  • Surgical removal of the tumor
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy for advanced or aggressive tumors

Endocrine-related head and neck cancers

This includes rare tumors of the parathyroid glands and other hormone-producing tissues in the head and neck.

  • Neck mass or swelling
  • High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
  • Fatigue, weakness, or confusion
  • Bone pain or kidney stones
  • Blood tests for calcium and hormone levels
  • Ultrasound or sestamibi scan
  • Biopsy in select cases
  • Surgical removal of the affected gland(s)
  • Radiation or targeted therapy in advanced cases
  • Ongoing monitoring of hormone levels

Why choose Endeavor Health?

We’re redefining what it means to receive expert cancer care close to home. From the latest diagnostic tools to personalized treatment plans and supportive services, our approach is centered on you. Here are a few ways our team makes a difference in head and neck cancer care.

Your care team may include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, dentists and oral surgeons, speech therapists, nutritionists, geneticists and support staff. We may also work with your dentist if there is potential for long-term dental issues from radiation.

We offer robotic-assisted and endoscopic techniques to treat head and neck tumors, while preserving function and appearance.

We offer precision techniques, such as IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy), IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy) and, for select patients, SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) to maximize tumor control while protecting healthy tissue.

We provide access to cutting-edge treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies and clinical trial options tailored to the specific biology of your cancer.

You have access to nurse navigation, nutrition counseling, speech and swallowing therapy, integrative medicine and survivorship planning.

Head and neck cancers FAQ

Symptoms vary by location but may include a lump, sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or changes in voice.

Diagnosis includes a physical exam, endoscopy, imaging and a biopsy to confirm cancer type and stage.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies — often in combination — depending on your cancer type and location.

Many patients benefit from speech, swallowing and physical therapy during or after treatment to support function and quality of life.

Yes. We offer services like SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer), as well as other support and survivorship programs.

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Clinical trials & research

Endeavor Health offers access to clinical trials exploring advanced therapies for head and neck cancers, including pre-surgical immunotherapy.

Learn more about clinical trials

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