Head & Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers account for 4% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States, which typically affect men and women over the age of 50. There are many different types of cancers that can affect your head or neck, which is why you need the group of specialists at Charleston Oncology to oversee your care. The team of doctors has extensive experience diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers of all kinds.
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Board Certified Oncologists Specializing in Head and Neck Cancers
Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley
N. Charleston, Summerville, Walterboro
Read the Blogs
The Importance of Subspecialization in Oncology: Our Commitment at Charleston Oncology
The Importance of Subspecialization in Oncology: Our Commitment at Charleston OncologyAt Charleston Oncology, we know that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. For most patients, the search for the right doctor quickly becomes one of the most important steps on...
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: What You Should Know
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: What You Should KnowAt Charleston Oncology, we understand that lung cancer is often linked to smoking, but it’s important to remember that lung cancer can affect anyone, even those who have never smoked. As part of Lung Cancer Awareness...
Why Early Detection Matters: Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines By Age
Why Early Detection Matters: Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines By AgeBreast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, but it is also one of the most treatable when found early. Early detection is the single most powerful tool we have in the fight against...
Common Questions
What types of cancer are included under 'head and neck cancer'?
Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term covering malignancies that arise in the oral cavity, oropharynx (back of throat, tonsils, base of tongue), larynx (voice box), hypopharynx, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and salivary glands. These cancers account for approximately 4% of all U.S. cancer diagnoses. Because each subtype has distinct characteristics and treatment considerations, subspecialized oncologic expertise is essential.
How does HPV relate to head and neck cancer?
HPV — particularly type 16 — is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancers affecting the tonsils, back of the throat, and base of the tongue. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are biologically distinct: they tend to occur in younger patients with a different risk profile and are generally more responsive to treatment with significantly better outcomes. HPV vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Knowing a tumor’s HPV status is important for treatment planning and prognosis.
Will head and neck cancer treatment affect my ability to speak, eat, or swallow?
This is one of the most important quality-of-life concerns for head and neck cancer patients, and we take it very seriously. Depending on tumor location and stage, treatment can affect speech, chewing, swallowing, and saliva production. Speech-language pathology and swallowing rehabilitation are integral parts of the care plan at Charleston Oncology. Organ-preserving treatment approaches using concurrent chemoradiation are used whenever clinically appropriate to help maintain function.
What role does chemotherapy play in head and neck cancer treatment?
Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer is most commonly used concurrently with radiation therapy — a combination called chemoradiation — to enhance the effectiveness of radiation and improve local disease control. Cisplatin is the most widely used agent. Chemotherapy may also be used as induction therapy before definitive treatment, or as systemic therapy for recurrent or metastatic disease. Immunotherapy — particularly pembrolizumab — has become an important option for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
I have been diagnosed with a salivary gland tumor. Is that a form of head and neck cancer?
Salivary gland tumors fall within the broader category of head and neck cancers, but they represent a distinct group of subtypes with their own treatment considerations. Some are benign and treated with surgery alone; others are malignant and require multimodal treatment. Certain subtypes, such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, may harbor specific molecular alterations that inform targeted therapy decisions. Accurate diagnosis and management by a multidisciplinary head and neck oncology team are essential.
