Expert care, clear answers and support you can trust
Head and neck cancers can impact vital functions such as speaking, swallowing and breathing. At Marshfield Clinic, you’re supported by a team dedicated to early detection, advanced treatment and compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Contact us for care
Call: (866) 520-2510; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Types of head and neck cancer we treat
Head and neck cancers most often begin in the squamous cells lining the mouth, throat and voice box. These cancers can also arise in the salivary glands, sinuses or nasal cavity. These include a spectrum of cancers commonly referred to as squamous cell carcinomas, though glandular and other rare tumor types also occur.
We diagnose and treat cancers of the:
- Oral cavity (lips, front of tongue, gums, cheeks, floor of mouth, hard palate)
- Throat (pharynx), nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx
- Larynx (voice box)
- Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity
- Salivary glands (major and minor)
Risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers:
- Tobacco use such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
- HPV infection, particularly HPV16, which increases risk for oropharyngeal cancers
- Poor diet, especially low intake of fruits and vegetables
- Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) exposure, particularly linked to nasopharyngeal cancer
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location. Many head and neck cancers may not cause symptoms until advanced stages, making early evaluation essential.
Common signs include:
- A mouth sore that does not heal
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- Persistent sore throat
- Voice changes or hoarseness
Treatments
Your treatment plan depends on the tumor type, size, location, stage, and overall health. A Marshfield Clinic team including professionals in surgical oncology, otolaryngology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and supportive care work together to determine the most effective approach for your treatment.
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. Depending on spread, lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed. Some patients may require reconstructive surgery to restore appearance or function. If complete surgical removal isn’t possible, radiation and/or chemotherapy may be recommended.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cells. Options include the following.
- Gamma Knife™ radiosurgery: May be used in select cases of a noninvasive, highly focused treatment for tumors near the base of the skull, sparing healthy tissue. Marshfield Clinic has access to one of the state’s few Gamma Knife units.
- IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy): Customizes beam shape to target tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy and targeted therapies
- Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and may be used to shrink tumors, prevent spread or treat advanced disease. It is often combined with radiation.
- Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made drugs that target specific proteins on cancer cells to slow or stop growth.
- Anti-angiogenesis medications block tumor blood supply to prevent growth and spread.
Speech-language pathology
Head and neck cancer treatment can affect swallowing and speech. Our speech-language pathologists provide specialized therapy to support recovery and quality of life.
Why choose us
- Multi-disciplinary expertise in surgery, radiation and medical oncology
- Advanced technology, including Gamma Knife™ and IMRT
- Comprehensive rehabilitation support for swallowing, speech and quality of life
- A warm, clear, patient-centered communication style aligned with our care philosophy