Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Your cancer support services
Our certified nurse navigators are specially trained to guide you throughout your entire treatment journey. They'll help you understand your diagnosis, review your cancer treatment options with you, answer questions, help you schedule appointments to minimize clinic visits, and provide resources and encouragement every step of the way.
Cancer impacts your whole family. Take advantage of Novant Health cancer resources like counseling, cancer support groups, educational programs, and referrals to financial resources. We help you and your loved ones manage your emotional and practical needs during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
There may be times during your diagnosis, treatment or recovery when you want deeper spiritual and emotional support. We offer multi-faith support and guidance to you and your family members. Let your physician or nurse know if you would like to speak with a chaplain.
Fighting cancer can take a toll on your body. To help you get back to your daily life, we offer a wide range of personalized services to help you manage the symptoms of head and neck cancer, including specialized rehabilitation services like:
- Speech language pathology
- Voice care
- Physical, occupational and lymphedema therapy
Many of our clinics also provide board-certified specialists in palliative care and pain management.
At Novant Health, we’re committed to care for all of you during your treatment. Integrative medicine is evidence-based treatment available in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas that, when combined with medical therapies, can enhance your overall healing and well-being through treatment and beyond. We’ll connect you with holistic care that may include services like pet therapy, massage, meditation and stress management, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, acupuncture and yoga.
Most cases of cancer occur by chance. However, sometimes cancer can be hereditary, which means that it runs in the family. Genetic counseling and genetic testing can help determine if you or your family members are at an increased risk to develop certain types of cancer. Understanding your hereditary risks can help prevent cancer, detect it early, or impact treatment decisions for an existing cancer. Our genetic counselors can talk with you about your family history of cancer and genetic testing options.
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.
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.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health