Know the Facts About Head and Neck Cancer

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month  — an important time to talk about this lesser-known cancer type. Though cases are increasing in the U.S., many people don’t know the signs of head and neck cancer — or what treatment they may need.

Inova head and neck cancer experts John Deeken, MD, and Gopal Bajaj, MD, want to shed more light on this disease. Dr. Deeken is Co-Director for the Inova Schar Head and Neck Cancer Program and President of Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Dr. Bajaj is Co-Director of the ISCI Head and Neck Cancer Program and the emeritus Chairman and Medical Director of the Department for Advanced Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy for Inova Schar Cancer Institute.

What is head and neck cancer?

Most head and neck cancers form from normal squamous cells that line your respiratory and digestive tracts. These cancers can arise from squamous cells in your:

• Larynx (voice box)
• Mouth, including your gums, salivary glands, tongue and roof of your mouth
• Nose
• Pharynx (throat)
• Sinuses

Head and neck cancer symptoms

Head and neck cancer can look like other, less serious health issues, like a canker sore or a cold. Some possible signs include:

• Ear pain or headaches that won’t go away
• Jaw pain or trouble chewing
• Lump or bump in your neck area
• Red or white patch in your mouth
• Sore in your nose, mouth or throat that does not heal
• Sore throat or stuffy nose that won’t go away
• Unexplained weight loss
• Voice changes

Can I prevent head and neck cancer?

It’s not always possible to prevent head and neck cancer, but certain factors increase your risk of getting it. “The biggest risk factor for head and neck cancer is human papillomavirus, or HPV,” says Dr. Deeken. “Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to lower your risk.”

Other ways to reduce your risk include:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• See your primary care provider and dentist for regular checkups.

Head and neck cancer treatment at Inova

Inova’s Head and Neck Cancer Program, part of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, provides advanced, compassionate care. We’re leading the way with head and neck cancer treatment through our:

Multidisciplinary approach

At Inova, you have multiple experts on your side, starting from day one.

“Every provider you need for your physical and emotional health is here, under one roof,” says Dr. Deeken. “Patients see several specialists during a single new patient visit. Our multidisciplinary care leads to higher patient satisfaction rates and better outcomes.”

Inova’s experts hold regular meetings to collaborate and share best practices for each patient. In fact, they discuss your care before you even walk through our doors.

“We are the only health system in the region that conducts weekly tumor boards — special meetings — for head and neck cancer cases,” says Dr. Bajaj. “Multiple surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and several others collaborate on your treatment plan before your first visit.”

“We assign each new patient a new patient nurse navigator,” says Dr. Deeken. “Your nurse navigator coordinates your appointments, tests, and prep work that needs to be done before starting treatment. You and your family don’t have to make appointments or coordinate tests. Our team does that for you seamlessly, all under one roof.”

Specialized expertise

“Our team is highly specialized in head and neck cancer,” Dr. Deeken says. “We have oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists and nurses who are dedicated to these cancers. We treat far more head and neck cancers than many other centers.”

Our team supports patients with regular check-ins to keep them feeling their best. “We see patients weekly to check their symptoms and evaluate how they’re doing,” says Dr. Deeken. “We manage side effects and address concerns right away. Our goal is to keep our patients stable and as comfortable as possible during their intensive – and curative — treatment. This care model helps patients receive their treatments on schedule, which leads to better outcomes.”

Advanced therapies

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can have side effects, including pain and damage to surrounding tissue. But Inova’s team is on the leading edge of radiation techniques that deliver powerful doses to cancer cells with fewer side effects.

 “Only a small percentage of radiation therapy programs in the U.S. offer proton therapy like Inova,” says Dr. Bajaj. “Protons release their energy only when they reach their target. Proton therapy is the most precise radiation therapy available. We customize this therapy down to the pixel.”

Inova also provides volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). VMAT creates a highly detailed, 3-D “map” of your face and head. This map shows doctors exactly where to direct the radiation, which destroys cancer cells while avoiding damage to surrounding, healthy tissue.

“VMAT conforms to your unique facial and head anatomy,” says Dr. Bajaj. “Our specialists check and adjust the treatment each day for the highest precision.”

Research efforts

Inova’s experts can also offer the latest therapies for head and neck cancer before they’re widely available through clinical research trials. “We’re always looking at the most effective ways to target this cancer while reducing side effects,” says Dr. Deeken. “We lead and participate in clinical trials that provide our patients with the newest treatment options.”

Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s own immune system, is an emerging area of research for head and neck cancer. “Immunotherapy may be especially useful for cancers caused by HPV and recurrent cases,” says Dr. Deeken. “We’re looking at the biology of these tumors so we can understand how to customize therapy for each patient.”

Focus on patient comfort

Pain is a common and difficult side effect of head and neck cancer radiation treatment. Until recently, the only solution was pain relievers that can cause side effects like addiction, grogginess and constipation. But Dr. Bajaj and his colleagues found a better way through research.

“We discovered an antiseizure medicine that provides outstanding pain relief without the side effects of narcotic pain relievers,” says Dr. Bajaj. “Since we started using this medicine, our prescriptions for narcotic pain relievers have decreased by 75%. And more importantly, our patients feel better.”

“We don’t just treat the cancer — we care for the whole patient,” adds Dr. Deeken. “Everything we do is focused on helping our patients have a better quality of life during and after their treatment.”

Comprehensive support

We believe in providing complete support for people with cancer and their families. That’s why we offer our nationally leading Life with Cancer® program. Through Life with Cancer, you receive a range of care and resources to improve your quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond.

Life with Cancer is free, and provides:

• Behavioral health: Our therapists and psychiatrists care for anxiety, depression, grief and other mental health concerns.
• Children’s care: We provide therapy for children whose parents have a cancer diagnosis.
• Complementary medicine: Acupuncture and massage therapy can help you manage treatment side effects.
• Fitness programs: Our programs are designed to help people with cancer feel their best.
• Patient education: Learn about your health and make informed decisions about your care.
• Support groups: Talk with others who understand in our in-person and virtual support groups.

Exceptional cancer care, close to home

The Inova Schar Cancer Institute provides dedicated head and neck cancer treatment at several locations. Patients can see our experts at our Inova Alexandria, Inova Fairfax, Inova Fair Oaks and Inova Loudoun locations. Find an Inova Head and Neck Cancer Program near you.

If you have possible signs of head and neck cancer, see your primary care provider (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, contact Inova Primary Care.