Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer is when cells in your body mutate and then grow in a rapid and uncontrolled manner. Cancers get their names from the places they begin.

Head and neck cancers can start in many places, including:

• In the sinuses
• In the larynx (voice cords)
• Inside and behind the nose
• Inside the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and palate
• At the back of the mouth and throat
• In the salivary glands

Most people don’t know they have cancer until they develop symptoms that make them go to the doctor. In some cases, your doctor or dentist may notice changes during a routine visit and recommend additional testing. Symptoms vary based on the location of the cancer. Cancer in the mouth, or throat may cause a lump or thickening, pain or ringing in the ears, and difficulty swallowing. On the other hand, cancer in the sinuses or nasal cavity can cause headaches, pain and swelling around the eyes, and sinus blockages that don’t clear.

There are a variety of treatments.

Your individualized treatment plan could include one or more of the following:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Immunotherapy

As a skilled radiation oncologist with specialized training in head and neck cancer, Dr. Morrell works closely with other experts, including otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons, to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams like photons to target and kill cancer cells. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell uses the most advanced technologies and techniques available, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric-modulated radiation therapy (VMAT), and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

If you or a loved one has head and neck cancer, please call CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, or book an appointment online today.