An interracial couple is sitting together, hugging, and smiling. The woman, who is a cancer patient, is wearing a turban on her head.

Collaborative Care for Head & Neck Cancers.

Head & Neck Cancers

Helping you navigate your journey

Find leading treatment for head and neck cancers, including malignant tumors found in the mouth, nose, throat or larynx, at Novant Health Cancer Institute. Our team of head and neck cancer specialists will give you a personalized plan based on cutting-edge scientific evidence that carefully balances treatment success with your appearance and functional results.

Find a Doctor

Explore Our Locations

Request an Appointment

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a broad term that includes cancers of the mouth and tongue, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and tonsils. Because there are so many varieties of this type of cancer, symptoms, causes and treatments vary widely depending on the specific tumor location.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer

The most common symptom of head and neck cancer is a swelling or sore that doesn't heal on its own. Depending on the location and type of cancer, you may also notice vocal changes, hoarseness, a sore throat that doesn't heal and discolorations or strange odors in your mouth. Unexplained structural changes such as loose teeth, bumps or masses on the head or obstructions of the nose may also be signs of head and neck cancer.

Common types of head and neck cancer

Cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box are the most frequently diagnosed types of head and neck cancer. These cancers are much more common in men. This may be partly due to the higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use among men, which are two of the leading causes of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancers we treat include:

Oral Cavity Cancer
Tongue Cancer
Tonsil Cancer
Mouth Cancer
Oropharynx Cancer
HPV associated Head and Neck Cancer
Throat Cancer
Salivary Gland and Parotid Cancer
Laryngeal Cancer
Nasal Cavity and Sinus Cancer
Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Advanced Thyroid Cancer

Experts in reconstructive and facial surgery

Your face, head and neck area are some of the most visible parts of your body. That’s why our comprehensive cancer team includes maxillofacial and plastic surgeons that specialize in cancer of the face, head, neck and jaw. If reconstruction is part of your treatment plan, rest assured our maxillofacial surgeons have advanced training in complex reconstructive surgery using the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, including robotic surgery and laser therapy.

Find a Reconstruction Specialist

Precise, Minimally Invasive Procedures

We focus on minimally invasive surgery techniques to treat head and neck cancer. This approach helps us minimize changes to your appearance and helps you maintain as much functionality as possible.

Laser Therapy

Lasers can attack tumors and shrink or destroy them using heat. Some types of lasers can be targeted directly where needed, such as inside your throat. Depending on the location and type of cancer cells you have, your treatment plan may include laser procedures in addition to or in place of conventional surgical techniques.

Robotic Surgery

Your treatment plan may include specialized surgical techniques like robotic surgery. The surgeon uses advanced tools with attached cameras and surgical instruments for greater precision. These instruments also allow the surgeon to make smaller incisions, improving your recovery time and minimizing scarring.

Targeted Therapy and Biomarker Testing

Targeted therapy identifies specific target proteins in the cancer cells to make it easier for your cancer specialist to attack cancer with drugs and other treatments. Biomarker testing is when your surgeon takes a small sample of the tumor, or biopsy. Your care team then looks for "biomarkers" to determine whether your head or neck cancer can be targeted by drugs more precisely.

Advanced Approaches For Your Treatment

The collaborative team of experts at Novant Health Cancer Institute focuses on organ-preserving approaches using chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Our team of head and neck cancer specialists provide you with customized treatment that is centered around your needs.

Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, targeted beams of high-energy radiation like X-rays are used to kill cancer cells. We routinely use the most advanced forms of radiation therapy like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). These treatments deliver highly focused radiation beams to the tumor from multiple angles to reduce nearby tissue damage and minimize side effects. Radiation therapy is often used with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to reduce the number of cancer cells by preventing them from reproducing in the body. These drugs are usually prescribed for a certain number of doses over a defined period to get the desired results. Side effects of chemotherapy typically fade once treatment is over.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy strengthens and reinforces your body's natural ability to fight off cancer cells. At Novant Health Cancer Institute, we use various immunotherapy treatments, including T-cell transfer, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors and other techniques to improve your body's natural immune response to cancer.

Why Choose Novant Health?

Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.

Learn More

A woman is sitting in a chair receiving infusion treatment while talking with her healthcare provider.

Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.

Learn About Treatments

Dr. Warlick is talking with a patient as they prepare for a scan.

You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.

Explore Cancer Resources

Dr. Fairchild is reviewing patient information with a team member.

Nationally Recognized Care

National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)
Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation (ROPA-ACR)
APEx Accreditation (ASTRO)
Magnet Recognition-American Nursing Credentialing Center
American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium (SCOR)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program
Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC)

You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion.

Are you concerned or confused about a cancer diagnosis or treatment recommendation you've received?

Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out for a virtual session or in-person consultation.

Request a Second Opinion

Experience the Future of Cancer Care, Today.

Together, we can beat cancer. Clinical research studies drive breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of many cancer conditions.

If eligible to join a clinical trial, you could access new cancer treatments before they’re available to the general public. Explore clinical trials and speak with your cancer team to see if any are right for you.

Dr. An is reviewing a scan with a patient.