Head and Neck Cancer in Cedar City, UT
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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
Dr. Pearson made me feel heard. He was patient, kind and thorough. I would highly recommend his servies.
I went to a serenity sleep study based on a recommendation from my cardiologist, I told them I sleep just fine and do not need a machine, but I let him hook me up to all the wires and slept in the lab. After two sleep study appointments I received a report stating I have sleep apnea!!! That is not what I want to hear; but I decided if it will help my heart health, I will give it a try . So I got the BiPAP machine and have been using it and trying for the best score I can get every night. I have been bringing it when we travel. The premature ventricular contractions I was having have gone from excessive to normal and I wake up feeling healthy now! I have less issues of nodding off! What a blessing to be treated for problems I was ignorant of and be healthier because of the wonderful health care professionals from Intermountain Health and Serenity Sleep!!!
I’ve had severe post operative nosebleeds for 2 months and couldn’t get help from the surgeon (SLC) who caused it or the ENT office in St. George. They kept blowing me off so I called Dr. P in Cedar City. His office told me to drive right up and they would see me. Despite a full lobby, they squeezed me in and he diagnosed my issue in about 5 minutes, fixed it and sent me on my way. I’m absolutely impressed and grateful to Dr. P and staff for taking the time to care about a patient. I’d been gaslighted for months by the surgeon and the ENT in St. George and was so frustrated. I will be driving to Cedar City for any ENT needs from now on and will recommend this office to everyone!!
My first zoom meeting ever , I didn't know exactly what to do, was nervous as heck, all medical staff as well as Dr Pearson was so awsome made me feel very comfortable.
No wait time! Dr walked in immediately after assistant left. Dr explained the results of CPAP computer printout—very easy to understand. Plus Dr filled special request for written Rx quickly. Best service ever!
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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.
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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.