Identifying Head and Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers include a diverse group of tumors from areas of the upper aerodigestive tract, glands, and skin in the head and neck area. Head and neck tumors affect speech, swallowing, and everyday social interactions. Effective treatment requires balancing advanced treatments with functional outcomes to optimize your quality of life during and after treatment.
Most upper aerodigestive tract cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which can begin in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, nose, and throat. The thyroid gland, salivary glands, and parathyroid glands are common sites of head and neck tumors. Head and neck cancers also include skin, muscle, and bone cancers arising in the head and neck.
Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Head and Neck Cancers
Signs & Symptoms
A lump or swelling in the neck
Change in the voice, or progressively hoarse voice
A growth or sore in the mouth, either painless or painful
Swallowing problems or frequent coughing or choking with swallowing
Abnormal skin growths or moles
Persistent earache
Potential Causes
Alcohol and tobacco use, either smoked or chewed
High-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Radiation
Family history of thyroid problems
Underlying genetic disorders
People at risk of head and neck cancers―particularly those who use tobacco―should discuss screening exams and ways to reduce their risk with their doctor.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services and Follow-up Care
Rehabilitation is crucial during and after head and neck cancer treatment to help patients address physical and psychosocial needs. We tailor rehabilitation goals for each patient based on the disease's extent and the treatment a patient has received.
You'll receive full rehabilitation support to return to normal activities as soon as possible. These services include swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, nutritional benefits, occupational and physical therapy, social work, palliative, speech therapy, and reconstructive surgery.
Comprehensive follow-up care is also critical during and after treatment. Once your treatment is complete, we may conduct imaging studies, and you will have regular, structured follow-up visits with providers for cancer surveillance.
Why Choose Broward Health?
We have a distinct patient-focused approach to care at Broward Health. Treatment for benign or malignant head and neck tumors may significantly impact your ability to speak, breathe, swallow, and communicate. Recognizing this connection, the head and neck cancer team at Broward Health relies on a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and team-based approach to treatment.
Our providers utilize innovative treatments, including minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery, new radiation treatment approaches, and targeted, immune-based therapies to help your body fight cancer.
Broward Health's surgical care team uses advanced and innovative head and neck cancer treatment methods. We implement minimally invasive approaches where possible, including robotic and endoscopic surgery.
Meet Our Team
Sobel, Ryan H., MD
Head & Neck Surgery, Robotic Surgery
1601 S Andrews Avenue
3rd Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-320-3304
Zeller, Charles J. IV, DO
Head & Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology
4515 Wiles Rd
Suite 201
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-943-1418
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View More DoctorsHead and Neck Cancer Program Director
Dr. Sobel works with a multidisciplinary team of head and neck cancer specialists at Broward Health to discuss each treatment option, including how it might change how they look, talk, eat, or breathe.