Head & Neck Surgical Oncology

Most cases of head and neck cancer begin in squamous cells. These cells are common in the mucous membranes, the moist linings of the head and neck. Cancer can develop in many parts of the head and neck, including the lips, tongue, gums, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity and salivary glands.

We treat all forms of head and neck cancer, and noncancerous head and neck conditions, including:

• Benign conditions of the larynx (voice box)
• Dysphagia — swallowing problems
• Hoarseness
• Hyperparathyroidism — too much parathyroid hormone in the blood
• Hypopharyngeal cancer — cancer of the lower throat
• Laryngeal cancer — cancer of the larynx
• Nasal cavity cancer — cancer in the nose
• Nasopharyngeal cancer — cancer of the upper throat
• Neck masses
• Oral cavity cancer — cancers of different areas of the mouth
• Oropharyngeal cancer — cancers found in the oropharynx, where the throat and mouth connect
• Paranasal sinus cancer — cancer that grows in the sinuses
• Salivary gland tumors — growths found in the face’s salivary glands, which are responsible for making spit
• Skin cancer, including melanoma
• Skull base malignancies — tumors that grow at or just below the bottom of the skull
• Thyroid cancer — cancer of a gland that is found at the bottom of the neck
• Thyroid nodules — growths that can be liquid-filled or solid lumps found in the thyroid gland at the bottom of the neck

To treat head and neck cancer, you’ll likely have surgery to remove the tumor. You may also need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy to help destroy the cancer. We use the most up-to-date, precise forms of treatment, including minimally invasive surgery and targeted radiation, to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and reduce the effects on your swallowing and speaking abilities. When treatment affects these functions, we can help restore them.

Our head and neck cancer doctors offer a variety of surgical treatment options, including:

• Complex reconstructive surgery, including free tissue transfer (removing tissue from one part of the body and transplanting it to another)

• Laser surgery of the larynx and upper airway

• Open and endoscopic skull base surgery

• Surgery to remove head and neck tumors

• Transoral robotic surgery, a minimally invasive technique used for mouth or throat tumors

We offer access to new medications and approaches to treatment through clinical trials. In addition, we connect you with services to help you cope with treatment or rebuild function, including integrative oncology services, palliative medicine and supportive care, nutrition support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychosocial oncology support. Support groups are also available.

 Depending on the treatment you receive, you may experience the following:

• Difficulties with speech, chewing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face and neck may that usually goes away within a few weeks but may last a long time
• Numbness in the neck where nerves have been cut
• Weakness and stiffness in the shoulder and neck if lymph nodes in the neck were removed
• Redness, irritation, and sores in the mouth
• Dry mouth or thickened saliva
• Changes in taste or loss of taste
• Nausea
• Decrease in appetite
• Earaches
• Swelling or drooping of the skin under the chin
• Changes in the texture of the skin
• Stiffness of the jaw

Share any side effects from treatment with your doctor or nurse. They can suggest ways to cope with the symptoms.
 

Eye cancer is a very rare kind of cancer that starts somewhere in or on the eye (on the surface, on the iris, or within the eye beneath the retina) or in the skin of cells around the eye (the eyelid). Because it is so rare, it is best for a person diagnosed with eye cancer to seek treatment from someone who specializes in this field. A person can ask their doctor to refer them to an eye cancer specialist.

Types of Eye Cancer

There are different kinds of eye cancers. Below are some of the places near or on the eye where cancers can grow and the types that may be present on each one of these places:

• Eyelid tumors. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of eyelid cancer. It can be removed with surgery. Other types of eyelid tumors include squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
• Tumors that grow on the surface of the eye (conjunctival tumors). Conjunctival tumors include squamous carcinomas, malignant melanomas and lymphomas.
• Tumors that grow in the colored part of the eye or iris tumors. These tumors include melanomas.
• Choroid tumors. These are tumors that grow in the layer of blood vessels that support the retina. They include melanoma, choroidal nevus and choroidal osteoma.
• Retinoblastoma. This is a cancer of the eye that affects children. It is extremely rare in adults.

Cancers of the Eyelid

Cancer of the eyelid is actually a type of skin cancer, not an eye cancer. The treatment most commonly used for cancer of the eyelid is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer. The type of surgery used depends on the size of the tumor. If the tumor requires removal of most of the eyelid, the eyelid will be remade (reconstructed) using plastic surgery. In some cases, radiation may be needed after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind. Radiation will usually affect eyesight.

Ochsner’s Endocrinology Division provides care to all of the clinic’s thyroid cancer patients.

More Information/Appointments

Call 504-842-3910 for more information or to make an appointment.

If you have a suspected thyroid nodule, our team will coordinate a referral to Ochsner’s Endocrinology Division for a comprehensive risk assessment and a biopsy performed with a thin, hollow needle. Based on these results, you and your specialist will determine the best surgical or follow-up options.

A second opinion from one of the top head and neck surgeons in the region will give you reassurance that your diagnosis is correct and that you’re getting the right care. Call 504-842-4080 to learn more.

Physicians can refer a patient to the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology team by contact our Nurse Navigator, Melissa Simon at melissa.simon@ochsner.org or calling 504-842-7689.
 

Head and neck cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms can include sores in the mouth, jaw swelling, swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, persistent throat pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, pain when swallowing, blocked sinuses that won’t clear, and facial numbness.

Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco are major risk factors for throat cancer, oral cavity cancer and other forms of head and neck cancer. Using both alcohol and tobacco further increases your risk.

Most cases of oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the middle part of the throat, are due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common type of cancer linked to HPV, and cases are increasing. HPV vaccination can help prevent cancer-causing infections.

Less common head and neck cancer risk factors include:

• Epstein-Barr virus infection

• Radiation exposure

• Use of betel quid, a form of smokeless tobacco that is commonly used in Asia but is uncommon in the United States

• Work-related exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos and wood dust

Ochsner doctors treat more than 200 cases of head and neck cancer annually.

Every case is different. Some patients experience chewing and swallowing difficulties as a result of treatment. However, we use treatments designed to minimize the effects on these functions. We also offer a variety of services to help patients improve their chewing and swallowing abilities.