Head and Neck Cancer in Cedar City, UT
Ready to get started?
Contact UsAbout Head and Neck Cancer
The head and neck carry sensory nerves to the brain and regulate our senses of sight, smell, and hearing. Otolaryngologists take a multidisciplinary approach to treat ear, nose, and throat conditions, infectious diseases of the head and neck, as well as cancerous tumors. At Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat, Dr. Robert D. Pearson is a board-certified surgeon who also specializes surgery for facial injuries.
Cancers of the head and neck are biologically similar cancers that start with squamous cell carcinomas in the mucosal lining of the nose, mouth, and throat. Most head and neck cancers are diagnosed when the lymph nodes of the neck are affected and symptoms appear. Cancers may appear in the head and neck cancer group, which includes:
- Oral cavity: lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the bottom of the mouth, and the hard palate
- Pharynx: the throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, soft palate, and the hypopharynx
- Larynx: the voicebox, including the vocal cord and epiglottis
- Nasal: the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity
- Salivary glands: the major glands in the bottom of the mouth and near the jawbone
Head and neck cancer does not include the brain, eyes, esophagus, thyroid, or the scalp, skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck.
What Are the Causes of Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancers are primarily caused by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These factors can irritate the tissues in the head and neck, leading to the development of cancerous cells. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, wood dust, nickel, and formaldehyde, can also increase the risk, particularly if the exposure is prolonged. Additionally, genetic factors may play a role in some cases, making certain individuals more susceptible to these cancers. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, as these cancers can be aggressive if left untreated.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Common signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer include:
- An unexplained lump or mass
- Pain when swallowing or eating
- Chronic earaches
- Chronic sinus congestion
- Hoarseness, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing for more than six weeks
- Mouth ulcers or sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Unexplained change in weight
- Unusual bleeding in the mouth
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Our expert team will perform a thorough physical exam to diagnose head and neck cancer. Dr. Pearson will evaluate your health history and symptoms before ordering diagnostic tests, such as imaging and blood work. He will diagnose and create a customized plan to eradicate cancer. Treatment approaches depend mainly on age, overall health, and cancer stage. Dr. Pearson may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatment options. Head and neck cancers treated in the early stages generally have a high recovery rate.
What Are the Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer is influenced by several key risk factors, including lifestyle habits and environmental exposures. Chronic tobacco use, such as smoking and chewing tobacco, is a major contributor, while alcohol abuse, especially when combined with tobacco, intensifies the risk. Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the high-risk strain HPV-16, is increasingly linked to oropharyngeal cancers. Certain occupations expose individuals to harmful substances like asbestos, formaldehyde, and specific wood dusts, raising the likelihood of cancer development. Additional risks include prolonged poor oral health, continuous irritation from dental problems, and diets lacking essential nutrients, which may impair the body's ability to repair cellular damage effectively.
Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat Reviews
Best ENT there is!! Dr. Pearson and his staff are very personable. You never feel like just another number. They actively listen and spend time educating and answering questions. I am very confident in his skills and pleased with my results.
The best clinic I have experienced in Cedar City. Professional staff. Very kind and easy to talk to. And they listened to every word. Dr Pearson answered all of my questions in easy terms that I easily understood. Never felt rushed. Highly recommend this clinic.
I've always been treated with respect in and out promptly, and staff always friendly, and The Doc has a great bedside manner and knows his stuff!!!!
Dr Pearson is a very gentle, kind and extremely knowledgeable Dr. I will be recommending him to all my friends and family.
Dr. Pearson has been GREAT with my children. He always makes them feel comfortable after seeing him I always feel that my children are in the best care possible.
5
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Get In Touch
Compassionate Care
Our team at Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat is here to walk you through available head and neck cancer treatments and provide compassionate, expert care. During a consultation, we can share more information about therapy and surgery options to help you fight cancer. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today at our Cedar City, UT office.
Learn More About Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat
About UsHead and Neck Cancer FAQs
How quickly can head and neck cancer spread?
Typically head and neck cancers can take anywhere from six months to three years before spreading to other parts of the body. This makes it incredibly important to have these cancers diagnosed and treated as soon as possible
What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Patients usually notice a lump in their neck or a sore in their mouth or throat that does not heal. This could also include a sore throat that does not go away combined with difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness in the voice.
How is neck cancer diagnosed?
The primary method of identifying neck cancer is a CT scan or MRI scan. These technologies provide in-depth imagery that allows us to see the potential tumors, as well as their growth.