Cancers of the head and neck account for between 3% and 5% of all cancers in the United States. According to statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society, nearly 50,000 Americans developed some form of head or neck cancer in 2010. An estimated 11,000 more lost their lives to these progressive diseases. Given those statistics, the need for a qualified head and neck tumor specialist to properly diagnose and treat cancers of the head and neck is obvious.
There are a wide variety of symptoms that may occur when cancer is present in the head and neck. People with throat cancers may have trouble swallowing or recurring sore throats. Those with oral cancers may have mouth sores that do not heal or experience difficulty eating. People with sinus cancers may have sinus infections that do not respond to treatment or recurring, severe headaches. However, some types of head and neck cancers produce no symptoms at all – even in their latest stages.
Regular family physicians do not have the skills, equipment or experience required to diagnose potentially deadly cancers. Since cancer symptoms can mimic symptoms of other less serious conditions, a life threatening situation may end up being brushed off as something as simple as a common cold. Aside from physical exams, head and neck tumor specialists utilize CT scans, MRIs and biopsies along with other specialized testing procedures to not only diagnose the cancer, but to also create the best treatment plan available to the patient, based on their findings and the options available to them.
Head and neck cancers are multifaceted diseases which must be met with a multifaceted approach in order to be treated effectively. Effective treatment often involves the expertise of just more than just one specialist. Most head and neck cancer patients are treated by a team of specialists, in addition to head and neck tumor specialists. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, physical therapists and language pathologists are just a few of the many specialists that a head and neck cancer patient may encounter.
Although the best defense against head and neck cancers is still early detection, the best weapon to combat the cancers is a qualified head and neck tumor specialist versed in the most effective treatment options that deliver a course of treatment specifically designed for each patient on a case by case basis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with head or neck cancers or if you suspect you may have cancer, schedule a consultation with our head and neck tumor specialists to discuss your personalized treatment options.