Although the treatment will differ for the specific type of head and neck cancer, a team approach is best for all cancers.  A cancer care team, which includes specialized healthcare professionals, can help plan and implement treatment for the disease. Some of the specialists who may be added to the team for head and neck cancers include:

• Otolaryngologist
• Oral surgeon
• Dentist
• Prosthodontist
• Plastic surgeon
• Speech language pathologist
• Dietitian

Treatment for head and neck cancers varies depending on a number of factors. Some of these considerations are:

• Exact location of the tumor
• Stage of the cancer
• Person’s age and general health
• General health of the patient
• Ability and motivation to follow a treatment plan
• Family and peer support
• Complicating factors

A treatment plan will be established by the patient and healthcare professionals. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment plans with the physicians and carefully consider all of the options.

Although treatment will vary for different head and neck cancers, treatment options may include:

• Surgery. The type and extent of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor. A surgeon may remove the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, the surgeon may have to remove bone tissue from the jaw or roof of the mouth. Lymph nodes in the neck may be removed if the physician suspects the cancer has spread beyond the area.
  
  Depending on the type of surgery, there may be a number of changes in the person’s appearance and function. Some of the changes may be permanent and some may be temporary. Complications often resulting from head and neck surgery include:
  
  
• • Changed appearance of face and neck (e.g., temporary swelling, permanent facial structure changes)
    
  • Weak or stiff neck shoulder and neck muscles
    
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
    
  • Numbness in face, throat or neck
    
  • Loss of voice (if vocal cords removed) or change of voice
    
  • Breathing changes
    
    
• Radiation therapy. This treatment uses high powered x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation may come from machines outside of the body (external radiation therapy). Radioactive materials also may be placed directly into or near the cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Radiation may be used alone to treat small tumors or combined with chemotherapy to treat large tumors. It also may be used along with surgery to kill any cancer cells that cannot be removed during surgery.
  
  Radiation is effective in killing cancer cells but also causes some complications. Some of the common side effects from radiation include redness, irritation, dry mouth, difficulty in chewing or swallowing and changes to the jaw or skin. Patients should report the side effects to their healthcare team because there are several ways to treat or minimize some of these side effects.
  
  
• Chemotherapy. These anti-cancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs may be taken orally or intravenously. The type of drugs and schedule of treatment depend on the type and location of the cancer. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy and/or surgery.
  
  
• Targeted therapy. The squamous cells usually affected by these cancers commonly have too many epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cells, which may contribute to the division of cancer cells. New therapies that target these areas have been approved for some head and neck cancers. Targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors can affect the substances on the EGFR cells that contribute to tumor growth.

Treatment also may include reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for head and neck cancer surgeries. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to improve the patient’s appearance and ability to function, particularly with chewing, swallowing, breathing and speaking. Depending on the extent of cancer surgery, surgical reconstruction may include:

• Skin, tissue or bone grafts from other parts of the body to rebuild the jaw, mouth or throat.
  
  
• Implant of a dental prosthesis to replace a part of the jaw.
  
  
• Tracheostomy (hole through the throat into the airway) to help the patient breathe more easily.
  
  
• Gastrostomy (hole in the abdomen into the stomach) in order to receive nutrition directly into the stomach through a feeding tube. This tube may be removed in the future if the patient’s condition improves.

Rehabilitation services can help a patient adjust to changes from the cancer surgery. The following professionals can help the cancer patient specific problems:

• Dietitian. Provides information for nutritional issues.
  
  
• Speech pathologist. Provides therapy for swallowing problems (dysphagia) and speech difficulties. If the vocal cords have been removed in surgery, the patient must learn a new method to orally communicate. The speech pathologist can teach the patient to speak by forcing air through the esophagus (esophageal speech) or use artificial devices.
  
  
• Physical therapist. Aids the patient in muscle strengthening and flexibility.
  
  
• Occupational therapist. Helps the patient in making adjustments for completing everyday tasks, such as feeding, bathing and dressing.

Treatment for head and neck cancer is a comprehensive and challenging task. In addition to the physical changes, the patient may be experiencing emotional difficulties. It is important that individuals with head and neck cancer use resources to help themselves. Some of the strategies for dealing with head and neck cancer include:

• Education. Learn as much as possible about the cancer. With a strong knowledge base, people will know what to expect and will be able to take an active role in their treatment plan.
  
  
• Support system.  Maintain a strong support system of family and friends who can help with problems, issues and anxieties. In addition, by joining a formal support group, an individual will be able to share problems and questions with individuals sharing the same difficulties. Individual psychological counseling is strongly recommended.
  
  
• Goals. Set reasonable goals for the cancer condition. Individuals should examine their own situation and determine what can be accomplished in the future.
  
  
• Staying active. Continue active lifestyle as much as possible. A diagnosis of cancer does not mean an individual must completely change lifestyle habits. Staying involved often gives a cancer patient a better outlook in treatment.