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Head & Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers begin when abnormal cells grow in areas such as the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, or salivary glands. Because every patient’s situation is unique, our team at Illinois CancerCare focuses on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcome.  

Understanding Head & Neck Anatomy 

“Head and neck cancers” usually arise from the squamous cells that line moist surfaces in the mouth, nose, and throat. Less commonly, tumors can start in the salivary glands or sinuses. The exact site and the tumor’s stage guide treatment choices and expected recovery.  

Common Types (by Primary Site) 

Oral cavity

(lips, front tongue, gums, inner cheeks/lips, floor of mouth, hard palate) 

Oropharynx

(tonsils, base of tongue, soft palate) — many are HPV-associated

Hypopharynx

(lower throat) and larynx (voice box)

Nasopharynx, nasal cavity/paranasal sinuses  

Salivary glands

(major and minor) — less common, biologically distinct 

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms vary by location but may include: 

  • Mouth: non-healing red/white patches, sore, pain, bleeding, jaw swelling, denture problems  
  • Throat/voice box: sore throat that won’t go away, trouble swallowing or speaking, persistent hoarseness, ear pain  
  • Nasal cavity/sinuses: blocked sinuses, recurrent infections, nosebleeds, headaches, facial pain/swelling, upper-tooth pain  

Any persistent change in the head/neck area should be evaluated.  

Risk Factors

  • Tobacco (all forms) and heavy alcohol use  
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (especially HPV16) — major risk for oropharyngeal cancers  
  • Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) — linked to nasopharyngeal cancer  
  • Excess sun/UV exposure — risk for lip cancer  
  • Certain workplace exposures (e.g., wood dust, asbestos) and poor oral hygiene (some subtypes)  

Men are diagnosed more often than women, though HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is rising in multiple groups.  

Prevention

  • Don’t use tobacco and limit alcohol  
  • HPV vaccination to lower risk of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (discuss with your clinician)  
  • Sun protection for lips; workplace protection for inhalant exposures; maintain dental/oral health  

Screening

There’s no routine population screening for head & neck cancers. Regular dental/medical exams and prompt evaluation of persistent symptoms are important, particularly for people with risk factors.  

Diagnosis

Your team may use several steps: 

(including flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy) and palpation of lymph nodes  

(CT/MRI; PET/CT when indicated) to define local spread and lymph nodes

(office, endoscopic, or image guided) 

for oropharyngeal cancers; EBV-related studies for nasopharyngeal cancer — these influence staging and treatment

Staging

Head & neck cancers use TNM staging (tumor size/depth, nodal involvement, metastasis) tailored to each site (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx, nasal/sinus, salivary). HPV status changes staging for oropharyngeal cancer. Your team will explain which system applies to you.  

Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized based on site, stage, pathology/viral status, overall health, and your goals. Care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (surgical, medical, and radiation oncology; dentistry; speech/swallow therapy; nutrition; rehab). 

Surgery  

  • Transoral approaches (including TORS for selected oropharyngeal tumors), partial glossectomy, neck dissection, parotid/salivary surgery; reconstructive options (free flaps) to restore function and appearance  

Radiation therapy  

  • Organsparing intent for many sites; often used with chemotherapy for locally advanced disease (definitive or adjuvant)  

Systemic therapy  

  • Platinumbased chemoradiation for several locoregionally advanced tumors; cetuximab in selected settings; and immunotherapy (e.g., PD1 inhibitors) for recurrent/metastatic disease based on current guidelines and trials   

Rehabilitation & supportive care  

  • Proactive swallow and speech therapy, dental/oral care, nutrition support, lymphedema therapy, and smoking/alcohol cessation services are integral to care and recovery  

Prognosis

Outcomes depend on site, stage, HPV/EBV status, response to therapy, and overall health. Many head & neck cancers are highly treatable, especially when found early or when HPVassociated. Your doctor will explain what your individual features mean.  

Follow Up Care

Follow-up typically includes: 

  • Regular head/neck exams and endoscopic evaluations as indicated 
  • Imaging based on site/stage and symptoms 
  • Thyroid function checks after neck irradiation; dental surveillance, swallow/voice rehabilitation; nutrition and psychosocial support 

Your schedule will be personalized to your diagnosis and treatment.  

Living With Head & Neck Cancer 

Illinois CancerCare offers comprehensive support, including speech/swallow therapy, dental and nutrition services, counseling, survivorship programs, and access to clinical trials—all designed to help you and your loved ones navigate treatment and recovery.  

Why Choose Illinois CancerCare

  • Experienced multidisciplinary team in head & neck oncology 
  • Advanced diagnostics and coordinated care pathways 
  • Access to innovative treatments and clinical trials close to home 
  • Compassionate, patient-centered care focused on preserving function and quality of life 

See our Current Clinical Trials page for studies that may be available to you.

Sources & Patient Friendly References

All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).