Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
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If you’ve been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, we know how unsettling that can be. But at AtlantiCare, we combine compassionate care with the most advanced technology available to help you fight the condition with confidence.
Each of our cancer care locations in South Jersey is staffed by some of the region’s leading cancer specialists. Together, this dedicated team — which may include medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, highly trained nurses, dietitians, social workers and more — will work with you to create the best possible treatment plan.
We focus on caring for the whole you and offer access to a full range of cancer support services to guide you throughout your journey.
To make an appointment, call 1-888-569-1000.
Types of Treatment We Offer
Treatment of head and neck cancer depends on many factors, including the type and stage of
the cancer
(early or advanced), how the treatment will affect the way you talk, breathe or eat, your overall health and your personal feelings about certain treatments and possible side effects. Our goal is to keep you feeling well throughout the process without major changes to your usual routine.
Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:
Surgery
Surgery may be used to take out
the cancer
and an edge of healthy tissue around it. In some cases, all or part of the tongue, throat, voice box, windpipe or jaw bone may need to be removed. Surgery may also be used to take out lymph nodes in the neck that haven’t gotten better with other treatments.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent a recurrence of the disease. AtlantiCare uses the most advanced radiation technology available to treat head and neck cancer. Options include:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): In EBRT, beams of radiation are focused on the tumor from a machine outside the body called a linear accelerator.
Because head and neck cancers are close to other critical body structures, getting a clear view of the areas during radiation therapy is critical. AtlantiCare uses groundbreaking tools like the Varian TrueBeam® accelerator to plan and deliver high-dose radiation with unmatched precision. The result is faster, more effective treatments that minimize the impact on healthy, surrounding areas.
Internal radiation therapy: Also called brachytherapy, this minor outpatient procedure involves implanting tiny radioactive "seeds" close to the tumor. These seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, remain in place and give off radiation to the tumor site for weeks or months.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with powerful medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation, treat tumors that have developed in other areas or to relieve symptoms when
the cancer
cannot be cured. Whenever possible, AtlantiCare uses newer medications that help minimize side effects.