Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

Among the hundreds of cancer types that can develop in the human body, some are grouped under umbrella terms, as they can manifest in various ways within the same region.

Among those is head and neck cancer, a term for cancers that develop in the head and neck region, including the mouth, throat, nose, and voice box. April is designated as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and Afton Swanson, a board-certified family nurse practitioner in radiation oncology with the Riverside Cancer Institute, said that is a prevalent type of cancer seen in the regions of Kankakee, Iroquois and Will counties due to its impact on farmers.

“There is research that shows US farmers are at an increased risk due to their occupational exposures; certain pesticides which contain carcinogens,” said Swanson. “The risk, of course, can be decreased by proper handling and wearing of personal protective equipment, but they also work outside a lot of the time, so they get a lot of UV and sun exposure that can also contribute to that.”

Swanson, who has been with Riverside since 2018, outlined her role in working alongside Dr. Issra Rashed, a radiation oncologist with Riverside Cancer Institute, and a multidisciplinary cancer care team to support patients from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care.

Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer encompasses a variety of malignancies affecting areas such as the mouth, throat, sinuses, and glands. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms vary depending on the location but can include mouth or throat sores, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and unexplained lumps or swelling.

Swanson emphasized the role of modifiable risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), occupational hazards and prolonged sun exposure.

“There are no routine screenings for head and neck cancers, so it’s important for people to attend regular medical and dental visits and address any concerning symptoms early,” Swanson said.

Options, advancements, awareness

Head and neck cancer treatment varies based on factors such as cancer type, location and stage. Options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, often in combination. Swanson highlighted the challenges of radiation treatment, which can impact a patient’s ability to eat and swallow, sometimes requiring feeding tube support.

Advancements in treatment have focused on improving precision to minimize damage to healthy tissues, thereby reducing treatment-related side effects and enhancing quality of life.

With April designated as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Swanson urged the public to be mindful of symptoms and risk factors, reinforcing the importance of early detection in improving patient outcomes.

For more information on head and neck cancer treatment at Riverside Cancer Institute, visit myrhc.net/cancer.