Head & Neck Oncology

Head & Neck Oncology is a specialized branch of cancer care focused on tumors affecting the oral cavity, throat, larynx, sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid. These cancers account for 4% of all malignancies, with strong links to tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection. Early detection significantly improves outcomes through organ-preserving treatments.

Types of Head & Neck Cancers

1. Oral Cancer (Lips, tongue, gums)
2. Oropharyngeal Cancer (Tonsils, base of tongue – often HPV+)
3. Laryngeal Cancer (Voice box)
4. Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Upper throat)
5. Thyroid Cancer (Increasingly common)

Risk Factors & Prevention

Key Risks:

• Tobacco & alcohol use
• HPV infection (Types 16/18)
• Epstein-Barr virus (Nasopharyngeal)
• Radiation exposure (Thyroid)

🔹 Prevention Strategies:

• HPV vaccination (Gardasil-9)
• Tobacco cessation programs
• Regular dental/oral screenings

Diagnosis & Staging

• Imaging: PET-CT, MRI for tumor mapping
• Endoscopy: Direct visualization (Nasopharyngoscopy/Laryngoscopy)
• Biopsy: HPV/p16 testing for oropharyngeal tumors
• Molecular Testing: PD-L1, EGFR status for immunotherapy

Treatment Approaches

1. Surgery

• Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) – Minimally invasive for throat tumors
• Neck Dissection – For lymph node involvement
• Reconstructive Surgery – Free flaps for defect repair

2. Radiation Therapy

• IMRT/Proton Therapy – Precision targeting to spare salivary function

3. Systemic Therapies

• Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab/Nivolumab for recurrent/metastatic)
• Targeted Therapy (Cetuximab for EGFR+ tumors)
• Chemoradiation – Gold standard for locally advanced cases

Breakthrough Innovations

• HPV-Specific Protocols – De-escalation therapy for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer
• Liquid Biopsies – Early detection of recurrence
• Speech & Swallow Preservation Techniques – Functional outcomes focus

Post-Treatment Rehabilitation

• Speech therapy for laryngeal cancer survivors
• Nutritional support (feeding tube management)
• Dental/oral care for radiation-induced xerostomia