In this article, Madia Russillo, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Ear, Nose and Throat, shares what you need to know about symptoms and risk factors and how the HPV vaccine can help prevent head and neck cancers.
What is head and neck cancer?
“Head and neck cancer is a very big category,” Dr. Russillo says. “It refers to a group of cancers that can develop in the mouth, throat, nose, voice box, thyroid and salivary glands.”
Because these areas are closely connected and control essential functions such as speaking, swallowing and breathing, early detection is important.
What are the main risk factors?
Dr. Russillo groups head and neck cancer risk factors into three main categories.
Lifestyle factors: Tobacco and alcohol use are the most significant modifiable risks. Eliminating use of these products can reduce your risk. The foods you eat may also play a role. A healthy diet high in raw fruits and vegetables is recommended to lower your cancer risk.
Genetics: A family history of cancer may increase risk.
Viral and environmental exposure: HPV (human papillomavirus) is strongly linked to certain head and neck cancers, particularly cancers of the tonsils and throat. Radiation exposure, especially at a young age, can also increase risk.
What symptoms should not be ignored and when should you see a doctor?
“If you notice a new lump in the throat, or have pain in the throat, swallowing changes, breathing problems or voice changes and it is not improving, those are not symptoms to be ignored,” Dr. Russillo says. “If they persist for over 2-3 weeks, you should be evaluated by your provider.”
Is there a screening test?
“We have colonoscopies for colon cancer screening and mammograms for breast cancer screening,” says Dr. Russillo. “But head and neck cancer screening is a little bit unique because there is not one standardized test that can be done.”
Instead, Dr. Russillo says early detection depends on routine exams by a primary care provider or dentist and awareness of symptoms. When abnormalities are found, a referral to an ENT specialist is recommended so they can perform a more comprehensive head and neck examination.
Podcast Episode: Head and Neck Cancer
Dr. Madia Russillo, otolaryngologist with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Ear, Nose & Throat, joins Dr. Arnold to discuss the signs, symptoms and risk factors of head and neck cancer, as well as how the HPV vaccine plays an important role in preventing it.
What is the role of HPV and the vaccine?
HPV is a common virus linked to several cancers, including cervical cancer and certain head and neck cancers.
“The HPV vaccine is very powerful because it is the only vaccination that we have that has the potential to actually prevent the development of cancer,” Dr. Russillo explains.
The vaccine is typically recommended starting around age 11 or 12 up to age 26. It may be considered up to age 45 after discussion with a provider. It is most effective prior to HPV exposure.
How is head and neck cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
“It comes down to what is the clinical stage ultimately and what is the best way to treat it,” Dr. Russillo says.
Experienced Head and Neck Cancer Care
If you have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer Center is here for you. For more information about the Community Cancer Center and our extensive offering of support services, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
