Head, Neck & Thyroid Cancer

There are several types of head and neck cancer, including:

• Oral cancer – develops on the lips, gums, area behind the molars or wisdom teeth, inside the cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth and the tongue
• Laryngeal cancer – occurs in the voice box and vocal cords
• Pharyngeal (throat) cancer – develops in the tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the esophagus
• Thyroid cancer – occurs in the gland in the front of the neck below the voice box

Although the exact causes of head and neck cancers are unknown, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing these cancers.

The different types of head and neck cancers have different risk factors.

Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

• Radiation exposure, particularly to the neck
• Family history of thyroid cancer, goiter (swollen thyroid gland) or colon growths
• Aging
• Low iodine diet

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Excessive alcohol use
• Prolonged sun exposure

Laryngeal Cancer Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases disease risk

Throat Cancer Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases disease risk

Head and neck cancer symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• A sore in the mouth that won’t heal (the most common symptom) or easily bleeds
• A lingering red or white patch in the mouth
• Frequent nosebleeds, persistent nasal congestion or chronic sinus infections
• Unabating sore throat, hoarseness or voice change
• Persistent neck, throat or ear pain
• Blood in the sputum
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaws or tongue
• Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Loosening teeth
• Dentures that no longer fit
• Mole changes or discoloration or an ever-present crusting or open sore

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than head and neck cancer, such as an infection or a goiter (swollen thyroid gland). Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

If your doctor suspects head and neck cancer, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

• Blood and urine tests – used to help determine if your thyroid is working properly and to detect molecules that indicate cancer (tumor markers)
• Endoscopy – which uses a thin, flexible tube with a light to visualize your pharynx or throat
• Biopsy – uses a very thin needle to collect a tissue sample that can then be further analyzed under a microscopy by a pathologist
• Imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans

Your care team works together to offer the most advanced head and neck cancer treatment options available, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures that can help speed up recovery.

Learn more about how our experts treat head and neck cancer >