We Treat
Cancers of the Head and Neck and Thyroid
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that there is hope. The survival rates for cancers of the head and neck, as well as thyroid cancer, are quite promising. For the most common type of thyroid cancer, known as papillary thyroid cancer, the survival rate is nearly 100% when the cancer is confined to the thyroid gland and 80% even if it has spread. Similarly, for most head and neck cancers, the survival rate for individuals with Stage I or Stage II cancer ranges from 70% to 90%.
Both cancers of the head and neck and cancers of the thyroid are relatively uncommon and, although rates of thyroid cancer seem to be increasing, this increase may be the result of improved imaging technology that allows health care providers to better diagnose these cancers.
There are many different sorts of tissues within the head and neck and just as many cancers that make up this category. Cancers of the head and neck typically start in the squamous cells that line the mucosal membranes inside the head and neck. This can include the organs of the oral cavity, including the lips, as well as the throat (also known as the pharynx), the voice box (larynx), the nasal cavity and sinuses and the salivary glands. While the thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, it is not usually classified as a head and neck cancer, and cancers that originate there are called thyroid cancers.
At SCRI Oncology Partners, we understand how life-changing a cancer diagnosis can be. Our world-renowned experts in cancer care and clinical research are here to guide you through the latest treatments, providing state-of-the-art personalized care every step of the way. If you or a loved one are seeking an oncology center in Tennessee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an appointment. We’re here to support you with compassion and expertise.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of these cancers?
Head and neck cancers can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of these cancers often can mimic less serious conditions such as colds or sore throats. In fact, the most common symptom of head and neck cancers is a sore throat that does not go away and persists. Other symptoms include:
- Changes in your voice or persistent hoarseness
- Pain while chewing or in the upper teeth
- Frequent sores, headaches, neck pain, earaches or infections
- Lumps or swelling in the throat, mouth or neck
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
For thyroid cancers, a common symptom is something called a thyroid nodule: a lump or growth in the neck. Most nodules are benign, with only 3 out of 20 nodules being cancerous. Other thyroid cancer symptoms include:
- Hoarseness or loss of voice
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Pain in the neck or throat
Risk Factors
Staging
Treatment
Clinical Trials
How are these cancers diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosing head and neck cancers, as well as thyroid cancers, we understand how important compassion and clarity are in navigating this challenging time. The first step is often a physical exam. For head and neck cancers, your healthcare provider may recommend an endoscopy. This involves gently inserting a thin, lighted tube into the mouth, throat, voice box, or nasal cavity to get a detailed view of these areas. Additional imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs or blood tests may be requested to aid in the diagnosis. In some cases, your provider may also need to perform a biopsy, where small samples of suspicious tissue are removed and checked for cancer cells.
For thyroid cancer, the next step usually involves a blood test to check your hormone levels and ensure your thyroid is functioning properly. A biopsy, such as a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, may also be conducted to collect cells from the thyroid for further examination. Additionally, your doctor might ask you to swallow a radioactive iodine pill for a radioiodine scan, which measures how your thyroid absorbs it. Imaging scans like CT or PET scans can also be used to look for potential cancers in your body.
Risk factors for head and neck and thyroid cancers
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Tobacco and alcohol use are the two main factors that seem to affect the risk of developing head and neck cancers. Other risk factors of head and neck cancer may include:
- HPV or Epstein-Barr virus infections
- A weakened immune system (such as due to HIV or major surgeries)
- Family history of cancer
- Poor dental care and hygiene
- Exposure to radiation or dangerous substances on the job
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include the following:
- An enlarged or inflamed thyroid
- Obesity
- Family history of thyroid disease or cancer
- Exposure to radiation or radioactive fallout
- Lack of iodine in your diet
It’s important to remember that having one or even several risk factors doesn’t mean you will definitely develop cancer. Similarly, many people who are diagnosed with the disease may have few or no known risk factors. If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or an oncology specialist nearby. We’re here to support you and provide the care and reassurance you need.
Types of cancers
Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, as they tend to form in the squamous cells of the head and neck. These cancers are typically named after the specific organ they originate in, such as oral cancers that originate in the oral cavity or laryngeal cancers that begin in the larynx. These cancers will sometimes spread to the lymph nodes in the upper parts of the neck.
Meanwhile there are four common types of thyroid cancer:
- The most common is papillary thyroid cancer, with up to 80% of all thyroid cancers being of that type. This cancer responds well to treatment and grows slowly.
- Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for up to 15% of all thyroid cancers
- Medullary cancers for about 2% of all thyroid cancers
- Anaplastic cancers for about 2% of all thyroid cancers.
Staging
Cancer staging refers to the process of determining the extent of cancer in the body, including the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other areas. Generally, the stage of growth that a cancer is currently at can be broken down into staging that ranges from stage 1 (I) to 4 (IV).
Understanding the stage of cancer is essential for doctors to fully grasp the severity of the disease. This knowledge allows them to craft the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs and to explore suitable clinical trials that might offer additional treatment options. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care and support every step of the way.
The staging system most commonly used for head and neck and thyroid cancers is the TNM system, in which the following questions are addressed:
- T: What is the size and extent of the primary tumor? How large is the tumor? Has it has grown into nearby areas?
- N: Has the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes?
- M: Has the cancer spread to other organs such as the bones, brain, or lungs?
Higher numbers of stages mean that the cancer is more advanced. Cancer staging is quite complex. Don’t hesitate to discuss with your provider more to fully understand the state of your disease.
How can these cancers be treated?
There are many different types of these cancers, which means that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Generally, treatment plans might include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these methods tailored to the individual’s needs.
To help determine the most effective treatment for each patient, oncologists sometimes use next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as massively parallel sequencing. This advanced tool allows doctors to quickly identify a cancer’s specific biomarkers by analyzing multiple genes from a biopsy or blood sample simultaneously. This process can potentially save time, reduce costs and minimize the need for additional tissue samples.
In addition to surgery, other treatments might be used either in conjunction with it or independently to slow cancer growth, manage symptoms or target remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is one such option, while immunotherapy is another. Immunotherapy can be particularly effective when combined with other treatments as it helps the immune system more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells, often by targeting specific proteins to boost the immune response.
Chemotherapy is another widely used treatment where anti-cancer drugs circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream to reach and destroy cancer cells wherever they may be.
Head and neck cancers and thyroid cancers clinical trials
Today’s clinical trials are tomorrow’s treatment options. A clinical trial can help determine if a treatment, drug or procedure shows a better way of treating a particular cancer or condition. At SCRI Oncology Partners we are committed to offering the latest clinical trials to improve your outcomes and ensure access to cutting-edge scientific advancements for our patients in the community.
If you are looking for a local oncologist in Nashville, Tennessee or you are interested in participating in a clinical trial for head and neck cancers through our collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in oncology research, the first step is to talk to our healthcare team.
Contact Us
Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.