- Diagram of the structures of the mouth and throat. Head and neck cancers include cancer cells in any of these areas.

Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Treatment for head and neck cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its size and stage, its location and your overall health. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the mainstays of treating head and neck cancers, including cancers of the sinus, nasal cavity, hard palate, lip, nasopharynx, soft palate, tonsil, larynx (voice box), tongue, floor of mouth and epiglottis.

For many head and neck cancers, combining two or three types of treatments may be most effective. That’s why it is important to talk with several cancer specialists about your care, including a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist.

An important concept in treating head and neck cancers is organ preservation. An organ preservation approach uses radiation and sometimes chemotherapy to shrink or completely eliminate the tumor. This can allow some patients to avoid the need for surgery.

Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

If you undergo radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist will use either external radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy to help you battle cancer.

Dental Care During Treatment

It is very important to take care of your teeth during and after treatment. Radiation therapy to the head and neck area may increase your chances of mouth infections and tooth decay.

• Before staring radiation therapy, see your dentist. He or she will also want to see you during your treatment to help you care for your mouth.
  
• Careful brushing of your teeth can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and jaw infections. Use a fluoride toothpaste without abrasives.
  
• Floss gently between your teeth daily using waxed, non-shredding dental floss.
  
• It may help to rinse daily with a salt and baking soda solution.
  
• Your dentist may suggest applying fluoride to your teeth regularly.

Be sure your dentist and radiation oncologist talk to each other about the best care for your teeth.

Additional Information