Team of Experts in Your Corner
Your outcome improves when you get care from several types of specialists. That’s why some of Cone Health’s 500 cancer experts, as well as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, work together to plan your treatment. They meet regularly to review your current health and adjust the care plan as needed, so you get timely support.
Head & Neck Cancers We Treat
Find care for all tumors in the head or neck, including cancers of the:
- Oral cavity (lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums)
- Larynx (voice box)
- Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity (hollow spaces in and around your nose)
- Salivary glands
- Throat
Learn about care for brain cancer, thyroid cancer, and skin cancer.
Testing Head & Neck Cancer for HPV
After a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, your Cone Health care team may test your tumor for human papillomavirus (HPV). This common sexually transmitted infection can cause oral and throat cancer. Research shows that HPV-positive head and neck cancers typically respond well to certain treatments. So, your medical team will use this test to help determine the best care plan for you.
Treating Head & Neck Cancers
You’ll have the best chance of restoring your health thanks to our full range of treatment options.
Surgery
If a surgeon can safely remove your tumor, surgery may be your first treatment. We’ll leave alone as much healthy tissue as possible so you can speak and eat more normally afterward.
Depending on your cancer, your procedure could use one of Cone Health’s surgical robots. This technology lets your surgeon reach tight spaces in your mouth and throat without making large incisions. That means you recover more quickly and easily.
If needed, a reconstructive surgeon can rebuild parts of your mouth, jaw, throat, or face after treatment. Trust us to help you improve your quality of life and self-confidence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation might be the only treatment you need for a small tumor. For more advanced cancer, it could be part of a complete care plan. After surgery, radiation can lower the chance of cancer coming back. Learn about Cone Health’s advanced radiation technology, which makes therapy work better while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy travels throughout your body, so it can treat cancers that spread beyond your head or neck. You might receive it along with radiation, especially if a surgeon can’t safely remove your tumor. You benefit from Cone Health’s technology that ensures precise, safe, effective doses of chemo every time. If you receive chemo by infusion (through a vein), you’ll appreciate our comfortable treatment areas with amenities for you and a loved one.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy (biotherapy) helps your body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer. For some head and neck cancers that return or spread, you might receive drugs called checkpoint inhibitors. They take the brakes off your immune system so your immune cells attack cancer better. These drugs can offer hope if standard therapies don’t work well enough for you.
Nurse Navigators Lead the Way
Cancer care involves many specialists, tests, and appointments. Rely on Cone Health’s nurse navigators to guide you through it all, so you can focus on getting well. You’ll see a head and neck cancer navigator at our cancer center at Wesley Long in Greensboro. At our cancer centers in Burlington, High Point, Asheboro, or Reidsville, you may see a general navigator who’s helped many head and neck cancer patients. Reach out to this expert any time you have questions, need help, or just want someone to listen.
Help to Quit Tobacco
Cancer treatment works much better if you don’t smoke. If you need help to quit, explore Cone Health’s free tobacco cessation resources. By kicking the habit, you may live longer and increase your quality of life.
Managing Side Effects of Head & Neck Cancer
Depend on us to help you limit the side effects of head and neck cancer, so you can take control of your daily life. You may meet with:
- Speech language pathologist—Helps you speak more clearly and swallow safely during and after treatment
- Dietitian—Teaches you how to get the nutrition you need to stay strong
- Dentist—Helps you manage the impact of cancer treatment on your oral health and hygiene
- Palliative care providers—Reduce symptoms like pain, stress, and nausea
- Survivor mentor—Offers advice from someone who’s been in your shoes
Discover all our support services that help you feel better in mind and body.
Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Care
After treatment, you’ll meet with our dedicated nurse practitioner for supportive follow-up care. You’ll get recommendations for:
- Routine tests and checkups to make sure you’re doing well
- Lifestyle habits that support long-term oral and sinus health
