Head & Neck Cancer
When you’re diagnosed with head and neck cancer, turn to Cone Health Cancer Center for comprehensive care that includes advanced treatment along with a plan to prevent and manage serious side effects.
Multidisciplinary Head & Neck Cancer Care
You’ll benefit from coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team, including ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and a dentist experienced in caring for people with neck cancer. Your team meets to review your case and develop a customized, comprehensive care plan that includes the latest advances in head and neck cancer treatment.
See multiple providers in a single day through our Multidisciplinary Head & Neck Cancer Clinic.
Head & Neck Cancers We Treat
Find care for all cancers of the head and neck, including:
- Oral cancer
- Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
- Throat cancer (pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer)
Learn about care for brain cancer, thyroid cancer and skin cancer.
Testing Head & Neck Cancer for HPV
After a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, your Cone Health care team may test your tumor for human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause oral and throat cancer. Research shows that HPV-positive head and neck cancers typically respond well to certain treatments. So your medical team will use this test to help determine the best care plan for you.
Customized Treatment Plan
Work with your care team to choose treatments that fit your condition, goals and preferences. Your plan may incorporate:
- Chemotherapy – Attacks rapidly reproducing cells, including cancer cells; usually delivered through an IV
- Immunotherapy – Stimulates the immune system to fight cancer; usually delivered as a pill
- KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) – Helps detect and attack recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Radiation therapy – Destroys cancer cells using targeted, high-energy rays
- Surgery – Removes cancerous tissue
Learn more about cancer treatments at Cone Health.
Managing Side Effects of Head & Neck Cancer
Depend on your multidisciplinary care team to help you proactively manage side effects of head and neck cancer and prevent unplanned admissions to the hospital.
Dental Care
Keep your mouth as healthy as possible by seeing our dental oncologist for a comprehensive evaluation before beginning cancer treatments.
Speaking & Swallowing
Meet with rehabilitation specialists, including a speech language pathologist, to learn how your treatment may affect your speaking or swallowing abilities. Your therapist may recommend you begin exercises early to reduce your chances of swallowing-related complications. Continue to work with your therapist during and after treatment to maximize your function.
Nutrition Management
Count on our dietitian to help you get the nutrition you need to stay strong and maintain your weight throughout treatment.
Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Care
After you’ve finished treatment, meet with our dedicated nurse practitioner for supportive follow-up care, including referrals to specialists who can help you regain function and cope with your new normal as a cancer survivor.
