Head and Neck / Thyroid

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers include oral cavity, laryngeal, salivary gland, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers. The vast majority of these cancers include tobacco and alcohol as risk factors. Symptoms of head and neck cancers can include a lump or sore that will not heal, difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, and hoarseness.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which are often used in combination. Here at Exeter Hospital, our affiliated Head and Neck Surgeons work closely with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to develop the most comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with head and neck cancer and thyroid cancer.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer accounting for 25,690 new diagnoses in 2005. The vast majority of patients will present with a thyroid nodule and will have no other symptoms. However, some patients will experience other symptoms including hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, neck pain or a swelling in the side of the neck. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers have a very good prognosis and treatment options include surgery and radioactive iodine. Although the overall prognosis is favorable, thyroid cancers can recur in up to 30% of patients, sometimes years after the cancer was initially treated. Therefore, it is important to have regular examinations over a lifetime.

Meet our affiliated Head and Neck Surgeons:

Peter Ihm, MD

Eric Anderson, MD

Brandon Peck, MD

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Learn more:

Oral Cancer Foundation

Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

ThyCa