Head and neck cancers — of the mouth, throat, voice box, and related areas — are usually treated with a carefully sequenced combination of surgery, radiation, and medical therapy. Our oncologists coordinate the medical piece within that multidisciplinary plan.
How we approach it
These cancers are often treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy together — sequencing matters, and we coordinate it
Many throat cancers are HPV-related and respond differently; we factor that into your plan
Eating, speech, and nutrition support are built in, because these treatments affect daily function
What the workup looks like
A specialist exam, often with a thin flexible scope, locates the tumor; a biopsy confirms it and tests for HPV.
CT, MRI, or PET/CT maps the tumor and the lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment is designed to control the cancer while protecting speech and swallowing, coordinating surgery, radiation, and medical therapy.
Common questions
What are common signs of head and neck cancer?
Does HPV cause some of these cancers?
Will treatment affect my speech or eating?
Is chemotherapy always needed?
This page is general information, not medical advice for your specific situation. Every diagnosis — and every patient — is different. Bring your questions to your care team.