Head and neck cancer treatment can vary based on the type, location and extent of the cancer. Most often, the recommended approach includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. When detected early and treated appropriately, many forms of head and neck cancer can be managed effectively and even cured.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, patients have access to all aspects of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support in a single, convenient location. Moffitt is a trusted name in head and neck and endocrine oncology and is rated #37 nationally in the Best Hospitals for Ear, Nose & Throat category by U.S. News & World Report in 2020.
Our highly collaborative, multispecialty team recommends an individualized plan for each patient. Specifically, we offer the following types of head and neck cancer treatment:
- Surgery – To surgically remove tumors and examine the nearby lymph nodes for signs of metastasis, the surgeons at Moffitt perform highly advanced and complex techniques, such as endoscopic laser surgery, robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive surgery, which are designed to address as much cancer as possible while preserving the appearance and physical and sensory function of the nearby structures.
- Chemotherapy – Chemo may be recommended to treat tumors that cannot be completely removed through surgery, or when surgery could potentially result in a significant functional impairment, such as a loss of a patient’s natural voice. Chemotherapy has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation treatment can be very effective for treating head and neck cancers, particularly when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. As a result, it is often recommended for treating patients who have inoperable tumors or would experience significant side effects from surgical intervention.
The dedicated research team at Moffitt continues to evaluate new head and neck cancer treatments. For instance, we are working to identify genes that may play a role in the development of head and neck cancers, and using this information to develop new therapies to specifically target these genes. In recognition of our extensive efforts and groundbreaking discoveries, Moffitt has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only one based in Florida – by the National Cancer Institute. We also have a robust portfolio of clinical trials with active protocols for head and neck cancers through which our patients can benefit from promising new therapies that aren’t yet available anywhere else.
If you’d like to learn more about the latest options in head and neck cancer treatment, the experts at Moffitt can help. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. No referrals are required.
