Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

the larynx, better known as the voice box, is a tube-shaped organ located at the top of your trachea (windpipe). It is essential for swallowing, breathing, and talking. Surrounding the larynx at the lower part of the throat is the hypopharynx.

the nasal cavity is located behind the nose, where air passes on the way to the throat. Surrounding the nasal cavity are the paranasal sinuses.

behind the nose, at the upper part of the throat, is the nasopharynx.

the oropharynx includes the middle of the throat, spanning from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box; the oral cavity includes the tongue and mouth.

saliva, the fluid that helps to keep your mouth moist and contains enzymes that start the process of breaking down food, is produced by the salivary gland.

this is the primary treatment method for head and neck cancer, especially when the tumor is small and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Following surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the rate of recurrence. Sheba offers sentinel lymph node biopsies and the latest, cutting-edge robotic surgery techniques.

chemotherapy drugs are used to destroy cancer cells by disrupting the process of cancer cell growth.

radiation therapy administers high-intensity energy rays to destroy cancer cells, causing minimal damage to healthy tissue. Radiotherapy may be used for early-stage tumors that fully respond to radiation, thereby avoiding surgery. It may also be delivered in combination with chemotherapy to avoid surgical resection and preserve specific organs (such as the throat or pharynx). Sheba uses sophisticated radiation technologies, such as VMAT, IMRT, and RAPIDARC to precisely orient the beams.

targeted therapy works by targeting particular genes in the cancer cells, ending their growth process. This therapy limits damage to the body’s healthy cells.