Head, Neck & Throat Cancer

Each year, about 110,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, a group of cancers that starts in or near your mouth, throat, larynx, nose or sinuses.

At the Riverside Cancer Institute, we’re committed to helping prevent this disease and bring the latest, most effective treatments to the heartland of Illinois and Western Indiana. Each of our locations features a dedicated team – including board-certified ENTs, medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, specialized nurses and other experts. Together, we provide care for the whole you, so you can focus on healing.

To request an appointment with specialist close to home, call (815) 933-9660. You can also find an oncologist anytime online.

About Head and Neck Cancer

Most head and neck cancers begin in the cells that line these surfaces of the areas. There are five main types of the disease, collectively called head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and named for the area they affect:

• Oral cavity:  Lips, gums, inside lining of the cheeks and other areas inside of your mouth
• Pharynx (throat):  Includes your tonsils, back of your tongue and your soft palate
• Larynx (voice box): Holds your vocal cords and your epiglottis, a flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue
• Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: Hollow area inside your nose and small spaces in the bones of your head around your nose
• Salivary glands: In the lower part of your mouth near your jawbone

Each of these types has its own set of cancer symptoms, though general signs can include a lump in your neck, growths in your mouth or blood in your spit or phlegm. Though head and neck cancers can affect anyone, major risk factors include heavy tobacco and alcohol use, as well as the human papilloma virus (HPV), a type of sexually transmitted disease.

Prevention

Nearly 85 percent of all head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use. Quitting now may dramatically reduce your risk, even if you’ve smoked for many years. Riverside is committed to helping you kick the habit for good with our Freedom from Smoking program. The curriculum offers proven, evidence-based tools and all the support you need to succeed. Call (815) 935-7517 to learn more.

Detection & Diagnosis

The key to treating – and beating – cancer is to catch it early. Riverside recommends routine head and neck screenings as part of your annual health exam with your doctor, as well as a yearly routine dental evaluation.

Find a primary care physician near you. If needed, we can also order any follow-up tests and refer you to directly to one of our skilled ENTs.

Personalized Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with head or neck cancer, rest assured you have some of the region’s leading experts by your side. Our multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Our radiation oncologists can now target tumors with extreme precision, while protecting nearby healthy tissue and minimizing side effects. And you have access to promising new treatments like immunotherapy and the latest cancer clinical trials.

Support for Every Step

We’re committed to providing the all the education, tools and resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services, including nutritional, spiritual and financial counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship programs and more to meet your needs.