Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
Our Editorial Policy
Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term for any cancer that affects parts of the head and neck. This includes cancers in the mouth, nose, sinuses, and throat. Head and neck cancers can be further broken down based on location, including:
- Oral cavity
- Pharynx (Throat Cancer)
- Larynx (the voicebox)
- Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity
- Salivary glands
Most head and neck cancers start in the squamous cells, which comprise the linings of moist, mucosal areas of the head and neck.
Causes and Risk Factors
Head and neck cancers are caused by genetic mutations that cause cells to grow unregulated, resulting in the formation of tumors and potential spread to other parts of the body. The exact physiological factors that contribute to this genetic mutation still remain unknown and may combine a mix of environment and heredity.
While the exact cause of Head and Neck cancers is still not known, doctors know that tobacco and alcohol use are the most prominent risk factors of head and neck cancers. In fact, at least 75 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by alcohol and tobacco use, which includes smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco like snuff and chewing tobacco.
Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, particularly HPV infection type 16, are also considered to be one of the risk factors for head and neck cancers. This particularly applies to oropharyngeal cancers, which involve the base of the tongue or the tonsils.
An Epstein-Barr virus may also be a risk factor for cancer of the salivary glands and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
The symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary based on the location of the cancer. However, the most common symptoms may include:
- A lump or sore in the neck that does not heal
- A persistent sore throat
- Sudden hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
Cancer of the oral cavity may be accompanied by a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth and unusual bleeding in the mouth. Cancer in the salivary glands can contribute to sudden swelling in the jawbone or under the chin along with numbness in the muscles of the face.
Diagnosing head and neck cancer usually starts with a basic physical examination and tests to create images of the affected area. Most all head and neck cancers will require a biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample for examination to determine if there are any cancer cells. This is the only test to truly determine if you have a type of head and neck cancer.
If you do have cancer, the doctor will proceed to the staging process. Staging allows the doctor to determine if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. This helps in developing the treatment plan. Stages for head and neck cancer range from 0 to IV. Stage I suggests that the cancer is confined to only one affected organ, while higher stages suggest that the cancer has spread to completely different parts of the body.
About Head and Neck Cancer Alternative Treatment Options
Typical clinical treatments for head and neck cancer usually include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. All of which leaves the patient feeling physically weak and exhausted. Some even require rehabilitation and can interrupt cancer patients ability to eat, speak, and even breathe.
When exploring your head and neck cancer treatment options it’s important you consider alternative and natural cancer therapies. Alternative therapy for a tumor, including head and neck tumors, allows for effective treatment without the discomfort, physical exhaustion, and rehabilitation that occur with traditional treatments.
Immunity Therapy Center is a cancer center where you will find a wide range of alternative, natural treatments customized to your specific needs and disease. Our facilities offer a positive space to heal, while one-on-one consultations give you the opportunity to ask questions about your targeted therapy program. Our personnel works with you to learn more about your life, address your concerns, and support you through every step of the process. Whether it’s throat cancer treatment or sinus cancer therapy, we pride ourselves on the quality of cancer care we provide and are eager to educate you on natural head and neck cancer treatment options. Contact us today to learn more or to receive a custom patient treatment plan.
Sources:
- https://medlineplus.gov/headandneckcancer.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet#what-are-cancers-of-the-head-and-neck
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
Customized Care For the Body And The Mind
Discuss Your Custom Alternative Treatment Plan With Our Team Today
Hear from Our Patients
See why the Immunity Therapy Center is a trusted name for medical tourism and cancer treatment centers in Mexico.
Allen Dixen
Allen Dixen, from the U.S., was diagnosed with cancer after initially thinking he had the flu and a bump near his belly button. Traditional healthcare took time to diagnose him, but once he connected with the Immunity Therapy Center, things moved quickly. After sending his emergency room results, ITC contacted him within 30 minutes, set […]
Gabrielle Friscia
Facing Stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Gabrielle Friscia and her family sought comprehensive treatment within their country’s borders. Unfortunately, their search came up short. By chance, it was Gabrielle’s father who discovered the ITC just days after her diagnosis. Initially skeptical about pursuing treatment in Mexico, like any patient, they embarked on this medical journey. The […]
Theresa Dinallo
Theresa Dinallo, from Cleveland, Ohio, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast in 2013. Faced with the decision of how to treat her cancer, Teresa knew she didn’t want to follow the conventional path of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Instead, she sought out natural alternatives and was determined to find a holistic […]
Sadie Litosky
Hailing from Calgary, Canada, Sadie Litosky’s life took a turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just 19 years old. In a few short months, this first-year university student went from having a minor neck lump to facing breathing difficulties and chest pains. Sadie’s mother tirelessly researched treatment options worldwide and […]
Karla Leonard
Karla Leonard, from Riverside, CA, battled Stage IV metastatic breast cancer with unwavering determination. Despite her initial disbelief at her deteriorating health, she found hope in ITC. Choosing ITC for treatment in May 2013, Karla harbored high hopes. She pressed on despite her son’s reservations. From day one, ITC impressed her with excellent service and […]
Livia Bilek
Livia Bilek, from Canada, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. After discovering a lump, her local clinic informed her that she needed to start chemotherapy and radiation immediately, leaving her no time to consider other options. Overwhelmed with fear, Livia and her husband were uncertain of their next steps. As she prepared for treatment, […]
Mollie Tollinchi
Mollie, who has been battling brain cancer for the past three years, received her diagnosis while she was six months pregnant. She gave birth while unaware of the tumor, and it was only three weeks postpartum that she discovered it after experiencing significant health issues. Mollie was deeply concerned but found solace in her faith, […]
Troy Clark
Troy Clark was diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer back in 2018. After watching his father go through chemo and radiation therapy on three different occasions, Troy wanted to explore other options. Through a referral of a friend, he found Immunity Therapy Center. “Everyone at ITC treats me with the utmost respect. What I get […]
Zelah Kropf
Zelah Kropf, originally from Central America, faced a challenging diagnosis of high-grade leiomyosarcoma in 2016, following a partial hysterectomy. Given a grim prognosis and the suggestion to spend time with her family rather than pursue aggressive treatments, Zelah chose to explore alternative therapies. In 2018, Zelah learned about ITC from friends who had positive experiences […]
Debbie Halper
“The Immunity Therapy Center Saved My Life and I Hope they Can Help You Too” On March 14th Debbie was diagnosed with a rare type of Ampullary and Liver Cancer. Her doctors told her that her diagnosis was essentially a death sentence. After some extensive research, Debbie discovered ITC online and decided it was worth […]