Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers include carcinomas that originate in the lining of the neck, throat, mouth, nose, tongue, ear, and sinuses.  The majority of head and neck cancers are caused by the use of tobacco products and alcohol.  Head and neck cancer may lead to difficulties with swallowing, breathing, talking, and eating.  As internationally recognized experts, the board-certified, fellowship-trained cancer specialists at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in West Los Angeles use the most advanced therapies for head and neck cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of therapy types. Learn more about head and neck cancer.

Oral Cavity Cancer

About 30% of head and neck cancers begin in the oral cavity, the area between the lips and tonsils in the mouth. There are several different types of tissues in the mouth; for example, bones, teeth, and muscle. The most frequent origination of oral cavity cancer is in the lining of the mouth, with more than 95% of cancers being squamous cell carcinoma. Learn more about oral cancer.

Salivary Gland Cancer

Healthy salivary glands form saliva or “spit” to help in the chewing and swallowing of food. Salivary gland cancer is rare. Symptoms include a lump, trouble swallowing, or facial pain, numbness, or weakness. Salivary gland cancer may not cause symptoms.

Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity Cancer

The paranasal sinuses produce mucus to help keep the nose from drying out. The paranasal sinuses are located around the nose. The nasal cavity is the air passageway behind the nose. Paranasal and nasal cavity cancers are rare. There may be no symptoms or symptoms that are similar to an infection. In many cases, paranasal and nasal cavity cancers are not found until the cancer has advanced.

Pharynx Cancer

The pharynx is a tube in the throat that extends from the back of the nose to the top of the windpipe and esophagus. The upper part behind the nose is the nasopharynx. The middle section is the oropharynx, and the bottom segment is the hypopharynx. Most pharynx cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Like other head and neck cancers, smoking and alcohol use appear to be risk factors.

Larynx Cancer

Larynx cancer, also called laryngeal cancer, is cancer in the “voice box” located at the front part of the neck. The larynx has three main parts. The supraglottis is the top section, the glottis is the middle where the vocal cords are located, and the subglottis at the bottom connects to the windpipe. Most cases of larynx cancer originate in the glottis.

Lymph Node Cancer

The lymph nodes in the neck are a series of glands that play a role in the immune system. Lymph nodes store white blood cells and filter lymphatic fluid. With some types of cancer, lymph nodes in the neck can help move cancer cells throughout the body. Enlargement of a lymph node is a common sign of lymph node cancer, although lymph node enlargement is also a common sign of an infection.

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Call (310) 582-7900 or use our secure online appointment request form to schedule an appointment at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute Head and Neck Cancer Care Center in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California.