Alcohol consumption and chewing snuff are fun when you do not know the risk factors you could be putting yourself into. The two habits are the primary causes of head and neck cancers. You should immediately seek medical attention when you start experiencing persistent symptoms in your head and neck areas. Flemington head and neck cancers expert at HUNTERDON HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY, LLC, uses various innovative treatments to treat head and neck cancers. These experts will help slow down the cells’ growth and help you lead a fulfilling life.
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How are head and throat cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor will start by evaluating your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam and order various diagnostic tests. If your diagnosis is cancer, your doctor will wish to know its extent and if it has spread, to body parts.
How can your doctor treat head and neck cancers?
Most head and neck cancers are curable, especially if your doctor finds them early. Though the expert’s goal is to eliminate the cancerous growth, your doctor will try to maintain the proper functioning of your neighboring nerves, tissues, and organs. The experts’ team working on your case should analyze and evaluate how the treatment is likely to affect your life quality.
The treatment options for these types of cancers are various. However, the option your doctor will opt for will depend on several factors including the site, cancer’s stage, your overall health, and preferences. You must try to learn about the various treatment options and ask questions whenever you have doubts.
Various treatment options for these cancers include:
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is reserved for patients whose cancers have spread to various parts of their bodies.
- Immunotherapy. Your doctor may recommend checkpoint inhibitors to disrupt the proteins cancer cells use as a disguise to hide from your immune system.
- Targeted therapy. The therapy disrupts the cancerous cells’ growth by attacking the proteins that encourage their growth or division.
- Radiation therapy. The technology directs high radiation doses on the abnormal cells to minimize their damage to your organs and healthy tissues.
- Surgery. Usually the first treatment option for head and neck cancers, your doctor may recommend surgery with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to block the cells’ growth.
What support options will you have after a head and neck cancer surgery?
Your doctor’s goal during the treatment process is to contain the abnormal cells’ growth. However, the professional will also aim at retaining your normal functioning of the affected areas to help you return to your everyday life soon after treatment. Rehabilitation extensively depends on the cancer type and your treatment option.
Rehabilitation could include speech therapy, dietary counseling, physical therapy, or learning how to care for your stoma, an opening into your windpipe through which you will breathe after your doctor removes your larynx.
In cases like oral cavity cancer, you may need reconstructive plastic surgery to rebuild your tissues and bones. Alternatively, you may need a prosthodontist to design a prosthesis to restore your appearance, swallowing, and speech. Patients who experience eating difficulties might need feeding tubes or receive intravenous nutrition until they resume their eating abilities.
Head and neck cancers are severe and you could lose your ability to perform vital things like swallowing and chewing. Contact the professionals today for your inquiries and treatment option to help you live a comfortable life.