Other Cancers

Head and neck cancer is a general description that is used for a number of different types of malignant tumors that occur in the mouth, throat, sinuses and nasal spaces, the larynx, salivary glands, and the cervical lymph nodes. Tumors of the brain are usually not considered to be a part of this general category of tumors. Head and neck cancers that spread usually do so through the lymph nodes in the neck, although it can also spread to other parts of the body.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 50,360 cases of head and neck cancer, diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Although this represents only about 5% of all cancers diagnosed, it is particularly devastating because of the functional problems that may result from treatment. Estimates indicate that there are more than 500,000 survivors of oral and head and neck cancer living in the United States today. The earlier the diagnosis, the less invasive the treatment that may be required. This is where PET can help.

DIAGNOSIS AND EARLY DETECTION
Early cancers of the head and neck may be found by a number of symptoms, including:

• A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
• A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat
• Unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth
• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• A change in the voice

While these symptoms may often be caused by other less serious problems, it is important to see a doctor about any symptoms like these. Screening for head and neck cancers may be through physical examination (a doctor feeling your neck and mouth areas). If an abnormal area is found, a biopsy must be done to determine if it is cancer. A PET scan may be needed to determine how far the cancer has spread.

A PET scan can show where tumor cells are growing, which helps your doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Call the PET centers nearest you for information about possibly being a candidate for a PET scan.

TREATMENT FOLLOW-UP and RECURRENCE
Treatment for head and neck cancer may involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer when it is first found. Aggressive cancer treatment may affect normal cells as well as cancer cells, giving patients a variety of symptoms in the follow-up period.

This is also where PET can help. PET is the most useful test that you can have when doctors are staging or re-staging your cancer because it is more accurate than CT or any other test. PET can show if the new symptoms are a result of changes from the radiation therapy or due to a growth.

Imaging with PET is also critical to looking for the return of the cancer. In many patients with head and neck cancers, a mass may remain after treatment. The mass itself may be visible on a CT scan, but CT cannot determine if the tumor has been successfully treated or if residual cancer remains that must be treated. PET can be used to image tumor response to therapy and to detect recurrence in successfully treated lesions. For post surgery and other treatments, PET is extremely important for monitoring if the cancer cells have returned and if treatment should be re-started.

Call the PET centers nearest you if you would like to discuss whether PET scanning might be helpful in your care.

FIND THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
Cancers of the head and neck can be extremely difficult to cope with. Not only can the diagnosis be life-threatening, but as a result of the disease and its treatment, many patients must also endure alterations in facial and neck appearance as well as alterations in speech, sight, smell, chewing, swallowing and taste perception. Survivors and their families often look for a program of support. Programs include:

Head and Neck Cancer Community, provided by the American Head and Neck Society

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)