Head and Neck Cancer

Your Trusted Guide Through Head and Neck Cancer

A head and neck cancer diagnosis can affect far more than your physical health. At AdventHealth Cancer Institute, we provide expert head and neck cancer care, combining advanced treatment options with heartfelt whole‑person support.

Because these cancers can impact essential functions like speaking, swallowing and breathing, our team develops treatment plans that aim for the best possible outcomes, focusing not only on treating the cancer, but also on preserving quality of life.

Highly specialized care is available at various locations. Please reach out to learn more about which programs are available in your area.

You’re unique, and you deserve individualized care. Your oncology team will personalize your course of treatment strategically, prescribing individual therapies as needed. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include some, none or a combination of the cancer therapies below.

Surgical Treatment Options: If surgery is part of your treatment plan, it’s reassuring to know that your health is in the hands of specialized head and neck cancer surgeons. Our experienced team is helping patients heal through innovative procedures every single day.
Options for Surgery
Surgery can be a promising step forward on your path to healing. Your dedicated team of cancer specialists will review every detail of your medical history and recent tests to recommend the strongest, most effective treatment plan for you. Surgery may be the only treatment you need, or, more commonly, it’s used in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Whenever possible, we will treat your cancer with the most minimally invasive procedure. Depending on your type of cancer, surgery could include one or more of the following surgical procedures:
Excision is a common tactic where your surgeon removes as much cancerous tissue as possible.
Glossectomy removes a part or all of the tongue.
Mandibulectomy involves removing part or all of the lower jaw.
Maxillectomy means removing part or all of the upper jaw.
Microvascular reconstruction takes tissue from your arms, legs, or back to help rebuild parts of the head and neck.
Neck dissection removes entire sections of lymph node groups to treat and prevent cancer.
Open surgical excision removes cancerous tissue with a more invasive approach.
Transoral laser microsurgery is a minimally invasive surgery that removes tumors through the mouth.
Transoral robotic surgery removes tumors through the mouth with the help of a robotic surgical system.

Learn More About Oncology Surgery
Chemotherapy: Nothing matters more to us than your whole health — and we know you want to get well and get home. Depending on the type of head or neck cancer and how advanced it is, chemotherapy may be a part of our treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and salivary gland tumors. We use chemotherapy as an adjuvant, or supportive therapy, in combination with other treatments, to help make sure hidden head and neck cancer cells don’t grow.
From the moment you arrive for your chemo treatment, one of our nurses will be there to greet you and guide you, keeping you and your loved one informed, comfortable and in good spirits throughout your visit.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Using a combination of specialized intravenous drugs, chemotherapy has the power to destroy or slow down the growth of fast-growing cancer cells in every part of your body. At the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, our oncology experts take an individualized approach to your chemotherapy treatment. Depending on your type of head or neck cancer, we’ll determine which drug or combination of drugs is best for you. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Along the way, we're here to help however we can, answering any questions and helping you stay strong and optimistic before, during and after your treatment.

Learn More About Chemotherapy Treatment
Radiation Therapy: While radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for head and neck cancers, at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, we do it with expertise, guidance and uncommon compassion. Using sophisticated radiation technology, we can target tumors in and around important structures in the head and neck with amazing precision, easing your pain and leaving healthy tissue untouched. Depending on your diagnosis, your dedicated team may recommend radiation alone, but in many cases, we combine it with surgery and chemotherapy.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Across our cancer institute, our oncology experts take an individualized approach to your treatment plan. Radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
When treating head or neck cancer, radiation therapy is usually delivered through one of the following ways:
External radiation, which delivers radiation in a concentrated beam to keep nearby healthy tissue unaffected.
Internal radiation guided by ultrasound or using our MRI-guided HDR brachytherapy, a minimally invasive method that delivers concentrated doses of radiation, keeping healthy nearby tissue safer.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a high-precision treatment option that sees the tumor in its 3D form and directs intense beams in a more targeted procedure.
Throughout your treatment, your nurses and your radiology care team are there to keep you and your support system informed, comfortable and uplifted.

Learn More About Radiation Therapy

We take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to your cancer care, which means different types of specialists work together as a team to determine the most personalized and effective treatment plan for you.

Jeffery Magnuson, MD

Medical Director — Central Florida

Otolaryngology
Uthman Alamoudi, MD, FACS

Otolaryngology
Mathew Biskup, MD

Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Martin Corsten, MD

Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Aaron Domack, MD

Head and Neck Surgery
Jean-Nicolas Gallant, MD, PhD

Head and Neck Surgery, Surgical Oncology
Shravan Kandula, MD

Radiation Oncology
Fawaz Makki, MD

Otolaryngology
Gregory Neel, MD

Otolaryngology
Melanie Townsend, MD

Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology
Nicholas Wirtz, MD

Otolaryngology

Question: What are the early signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Answer:
Early signs of head and neck cancer can be subtle and easy to overlook, and symptoms may vary depending on where the cancer develops.
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Some symptoms may feel like common infections or irritation that don't go away.
Possible early signs and symptoms include:
A lump or swelling in the neck
A sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal
Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in the throat
Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than a few weeks
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Ear pain or ringing in the ear
Numbness or weakness in the face or mouth
Unexplained weight loss
Red or white patches in the mouth
If symptoms persist, worsen or return, follow up with your health care provider. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

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Question: What causes head and neck cancer and who is at risk?
Answer:
Head and neck cancers develop when cells in the mouth, throat, voice box or nearby areas are genetically damaged, causing them to grow uncontrollably.
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Long‑term exposure to certain environmental or lifestyle risk factors can increase a person's risk of developing head or neck cancer:
Age, as risk increases over time
Alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
A personal or family history of head and neck cancer
Certain workplace exposures, such as chemicals, dust or fumes
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly for cancers of the throat and tonsils
Poor oral health or chronic mouth irritation
Prolonged sun exposure, which increases the risk of cancers of the lips
Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco
Not everyone with risk factors will develop head or neck cancer. However, understanding these risks can help support early detection, prevention and timely care.

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Question: What cancers are included under head and neck cancer?
Answer:
Head and neck cancer is a broad term used to describe cancers that develop in or around the mouth, throat or nearby areas. These cancers can affect speaking, swallowing and breathing.
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Cancers commonly included under head and neck cancer are:
Hypopharyngeal cancer (lower part of the throat)
Laryngeal cancer (voice box)
Nasopharyngeal cancer (upper part of the throat behind the nose)
Nasal cavity cancer (inside the nose)
Oral cavity cancer (lips, tongue, gums, cheeks and floor of the mouth)
Oropharyngeal cancer (middle part of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue)
Paranasal sinus cancer (air-filled spaces around the nose)
Salivary gland cancer (glands that produce saliva)

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Question: How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?
Answer:
Because head and neck cancers can affect many different areas, the diagnostic process is tailored to each person’s symptoms and location of concern.
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Diagnosis may include:
Biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and identify the type
Endoscopy, using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to closely examine areas such as the throat or voice box
Imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans or PET scans, to determine the size of the cancer and whether it has spread
Physical examination of the head, neck, mouth and throat to look for lumps, sores or other abnormalities
Additional testing may be used to:
Determine the stage of the cancer
Identify whether the cancer is linked to HPV
Help guide treatment planning

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Question: Is HPV linked to head and neck cancer?

Answer:

Yes, HPV is linked to some head and neck cancers, particularly those affecting the throat and tonsils.

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These HPV‑related cancers often behave differently and may respond well to treatment, especially when detected early.

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Question: Can head and neck cancer be prevented or found early?
Answer:
While not all head and neck cancers can be prevented, steps can be taken to reduce risk, and many cases can be found early when treatment may be more effective.
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Ways to help reduce the risk of head and neck cancer include:
Avoiding tobacco in all forms, including cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco
Limiting alcohol use, especially avoiding heavy or long‑term use
Protecting lips from sun exposure by using lip balm with SPF and wearing protective clothing
Practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining regular dental care
Receiving the HPV vaccine, which can lower the risk of HPV-related head and neck cancers
Head and neck cancer may be found early through:
Awareness of symptoms, such as lumps, sores or voice changes that do not go away
Dental exams, where dentists may notice early changes in the mouth or throat
Prompt medical evaluation of symptoms that last longer than a few weeks
Routine physical exams, especially for people with higher risk factors
If you notice persistent or unusual symptoms, talk with a health care provider as soon as possible.

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Question: What are the treatment options for head and neck cancer?

Answer:

Head and neck cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, often in combination.

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Treatment is personalized to your unique needs, based on the type of cancer, the stage and where it's located.

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If you’re concerned about specific symptoms or have been recently diagnosed, you’ll find all the strength and support you need to face head and neck cancer at our AdventHealth Cancer Institute. We offer specialized care for all types of this unique cancer, all coordinated through a trusted national network. Click below or call us at 833-246-6712 to request an appointment or find a location near you.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Your Trusted Guide Through Head and Neck Cancer

Types of Head and Neck Cancers

Explore Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Options

Meet Our Dedicated Cancer Experts

Jeffery Magnuson, MD

Uthman Alamoudi, MD, FACS

Mathew Biskup, MD

Martin Corsten, MD

Aaron Domack, MD

Jean-Nicolas Gallant, MD, PhD

Shravan Kandula, MD

Fawaz Makki, MD

Gregory Neel, MD

Melanie Townsend, MD

Nicholas Wirtz, MD

Answering Head and Neck Cancer Questions

Question: What are the early signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Question: What causes head and neck cancer and who is at risk?

Question: What cancers are included under head and neck cancer?

Question: How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Question: Is HPV linked to head and neck cancer?

Find Head and Neck Cancer Care Near You

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Your Trusted Guide Through Head and Neck Cancer

Types of Head and Neck Cancers

Explore Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Options

Meet Our Dedicated Cancer Experts

Request a Consultation With a Head and Neck Cancer Expert

Advancing Treatment and Discovering New Hope

Your Full Network of Cancer Care

Clinical Trials

Second Opinion

Support Groups

Answering Head and Neck Cancer Questions

Q:Question: What are the early signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Q:Question: What causes head and neck cancer and who is at risk?

Q:Question: What cancers are included under head and neck cancer?

Q:Question: How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Q:Question: Is HPV linked to head and neck cancer?

Q:Question: Can head and neck cancer be prevented or found early?

Q:Question: What are the treatment options for head and neck cancer?

Find Head and Neck Cancer Care Near You

Question: What are the early signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Question: What causes head and neck cancer and who is at risk?

Question: What cancers are included under head and neck cancer?

Question: How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Question: Is HPV linked to head and neck cancer?

Question: Can head and neck cancer be prevented or found early?

Question: What are the treatment options for head and neck cancer?