Head and neck cancer treatment in 804 Oncology clinics worldwide

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804 clinics specializing in Oncology providing treatment of Head and neck cancer Head and neck cancer refers to tumors that develop in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, or sinuses. It can cause symptoms like persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. Treatment involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
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disease worldwide.

Africa · 14
Americas · 161
Asia · 239
Europe · 348
Oceania · 42
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Africa · 14 Americas · 161 Asia · 239 Europe · 348 Oceania · 42
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Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Targeted therapy
    by request
  3. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  4. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  5. Chemotherapy for melanoma
    by request
  6. Chemotherapy for endometrial cancer
    by request
  7. Chemotherapy for gallbladder cancer
    by request
  8. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer
    by request
  9. Chemotherapy for bone cancer
    by request
photo
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Specializations: Oncology
Founded in 1999, Oncocentro was born with the purpose of offering an integral, welcoming and interdisciplinary service. Over the years, it has become a reference read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
    $2,173 - $3,287
  2. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
    $2,173 - $3,287
  3. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
    $2,173 - $3,287
  4. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    $2,340
  5. Radiosurgery
    $2,340 - $3,398
  6. CyberKnife radiosurgery
    $2,340 - $3,398
  7. Stereotactic spine radiosurgery
    $2,173 - $2,451
photo
Ufa, Russia
Specializations: Oncology
The center has equipment for PET / CT examinations from one of the leaders in the production of medical equipment. The same equipment is used read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Radiation therapy
    $2,228
  2. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT)
    $2,228
  3. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
    by request
  4. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT)
    by request
  5. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
    $2,228
  6. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
    by request
  7. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    $2,228
  8. LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery
    $2,228
  9. Radiosurgery
    $2,228
photo
Balashikha, Russia
Specializations: Oncology
The PET-Technology oncology center in Balashikha was designed, built and equipped as part of a public-private partnership with the Government of the Moscow Region, the read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Radiation therapy
    $2,228
  2. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
    by request
  3. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT)
    by request
  4. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
    $2,228
  5. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
    by request
  6. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    $2,228
  7. LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery
    $2,228
  8. Radiosurgery
    $2,228
  9. Brachytherapy
    by request
photo
Podolsk, Russia
Specializations: Oncology
The PET-Technology Cancer Radiology Center in Podolsk is a modern, comfortable medical facility for patients with any stage of the disease. The center has a read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Cervical lymphadenectomy
    ≈ $4,168
  2. Parotidectomy
    ≈ $1,736
  3. Total glossectomy
    ≈ $3,060
  4. Oral cancer surgery
    ≈ $7,087
  5. Hemiglossectomy
    ≈ $1,951
  6. Submandibular gland resection
    ≈ $964
  7. Lip resection
    ≈ $2,780
  8. Floor of mouth cancer resection
    ≈ $1,852
  9. Mandibular resection
    ≈ $7,098
photo
Budapest, Hungary
Specializations: Oncology
The clinic was founded in 1908 by József Árkövy, whose work and recognition went far beyond the borders of the country. It was the first read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Targeted therapy
    by request
  2. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  3. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  4. Chemotherapy for liver cancer
    by request
  5. Chemotherapy for brain cancer
    by request
  6. Chemotherapy for lymphoma
    by request
  7. Chemotherapy for gallbladder cancer
    by request
  8. Chemotherapy for eye cancer
    by request
  9. Chemotherapy for myeloma
    by request
photo
Budapest, Hungary
Specializations: Oncology
In the Oncology Profile of the Internal Medicine and Oncology Clinic patients with so-called solid tumors are treated with medication. The center offers traditional chemotherapy read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  2. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  3. Simple mastectomy
    ≈ $11,214
  4. Lumpectomy
    ≈ $6,641
  5. TRAM flap breast reconstruction
    $39,099 - $61,087
  6. Surgical breast biopsy
    ≈ $4,417
  7. Needle biopsy
    ≈ $1,338
  8. Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy
    ≈ $2,992
  9. Partial mastectomy
    ≈ $15,998
photo
Savonlinna, Finland
Specializations: Oncology
Languages: English, Finnish, Russian, Swedish
Clinic Helena is a private breast cancer clinic and one of the leading private clinics for women’s health in Finland. Clinic Helena was founded in read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Radiation therapy
    by request
  3. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT)
    by request
  4. Brachytherapy
    by request
  5. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  6. Radiation therapy for breast cancer
    from $20,474
  7. Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
    from $32,453
  8. Brachytherapy for prostate cancer
    from $49,952
  9. Simple mastectomy
    from $15,922
photo
Helsinki, Finland
Specializations: Oncology
Docrates Cancer Center, based in Helsinki, Finland, is a leading international treatment facility specialising in the diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of cancers. The hospital opened read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Cervical lymphadenectomy
    ≈ $11,984
  2. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  3. Targeted therapy
    by request
  4. Radiation therapy
    by request
  5. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
    by request
  6. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
    by request
  7. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
    by request
  8. Radiosurgery
    by request
  9. Brachytherapy
    by request
photo
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Specializations: Thoracic surgery, Oncology
Languages: English, Arabic
Mediclinic City Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC), is Dubai’s most advanced facility for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Built in collaboration with Mediclinic Middle read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Targeted therapy
    by request
  3. Radiation therapy
    by request
  4. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  5. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  6. Hemicolectomy
    ≈ $9,563
  7. Rectum anterior resection
    ≈ $6,779
  8. Radical prostatectomy
    ≈ $7,408
  9. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
    ≈ $3,538
photo
Medina, Saudi Arabia
Specializations: Vascular surgery, Thoracic surgery, Oncology
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (Gen. Org) Madinah (KFSH&RC-M) is the latest addition to our internationally recognized organization. Our mission at KFSH&RC-M is read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  3. Skin cancer surgery
    ≈ $5,076
  4. Removal of benign skin lesions
    ≈ $4,290
  5. Laser therapy for skin lesions
    ≈ $3,970
  6. Cryotherapy for skin lesions
    ≈ $4,635
  7. Sentinel node biopsy
    from $15,340
  8. Mohs surgery
    from $12,600
  9. Melanoma surgical removal
    from $5,720
photo
Tel Aviv, Israel
Specializations: Oncology
Languages: English, Russian
In Melanoma Unit, immunological / biological treatments are also given on drugs that are not in the health basket under the supervision of senior oncologists. read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Cervical lymphadenectomy
    ≈ $15,294
  2. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  3. Targeted therapy
    by request
  4. Radiation therapy
    by request
  5. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
    by request
  6. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
    by request
  7. TomoTherapy
    ≈ $1,262
  8. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    by request
  9. LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery
    by request
photo
Toulouse, France
Specializations: Thoracic surgery, Oncology
Languages: English, German, Spanish; Castilian
The IUCT Oncopole comprises the Institut Claudius Regaud, a cancer center, and several teams from Toulouse University Hospital Center. The two institutions offer the expertise read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Radiation therapy
    by request
  3. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
    by request
  4. Monoclonal antibodies therapy (mAbs)
    by request
  5. Natural killer (NK) cell therapy
    by request
photo
São Paulo, Brazil
Specializations: Oncology
Occupying a total area of ​​1,550 m2, we have an infrastructure specially built to ensure the well-being of patients during cancer treatment. Humanism was the read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Cervical lymphadenectomy
    ≈ $17,475
  2. Robot-assisted oncosurgery
    by request
  3. Radiation therapy
    by request
  4. TomoTherapy
    ≈ $1,524
  5. CyberKnife radiosurgery
    by request
  6. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  7. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  8. Hemicolectomy
    ≈ $21,553
  9. Rectum anterior resection
    ≈ $20,993
photo
Milan, Italy
Specializations: Cardiac surgery, Vascular surgery, Thoracic surgery, Oncology
Languages: Arabic, English, Russian
The IEO (European Institute of Oncology) is one of the world's most prestigious hospitals and the fastest growing comprehensive cancer centre in Europe. IEO integrates read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Targeted therapy
    by request
  3. Radiation therapy
    $173 - $6,172
  4. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    $2,527
  5. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  6. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  7. Brachytherapy for prostate cancer
    $4,630
  8. Radioactive Iodine therapy for thyroid cancer
    $1,440
  9. Hemicolectomy
    $1,227 - $2,137
photo
Kazan, Russia
Specializations: Cardiac surgery, Vascular surgery, Thoracic surgery, Oncology
GAUZ "Republican Clinical Oncological Dispensary of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan" named after Professor M.Z. Sigal "is one of the largest read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Robot-assisted oncosurgery
    by request
  2. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  3. Targeted therapy
    by request
  4. Radiation therapy
    by request
  5. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)
    by request
  6. LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery
    by request
  7. Brachytherapy
    by request
  8. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  9. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
photo
Marseille, France
Specializations: Vascular surgery, Thoracic surgery, Oncology
The Paoli-Calmettes Institute (IPC) is a center for the fight against cancer, a member of the Unicancer group , governed by the public health code. read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  2. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  3. Conization
    ≈ $2,049
  4. Open hysterectomy
    ≈ $2,487
  5. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
    ≈ $1,142
  6. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)
    $1,507
  7. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
    ≈ $1,470
  8. Total gastrectomy
    ≈ $18,404
  9. Total thyroidectomy
    ≈ $4,727
photo
Reynosa, Mexico
Specializations: Cardiac surgery, Vascular surgery, Oncology
Languages: English
The quality of CHRISTUS MUGUERZA on the Mexican border At CHRISTUS MUGUERZA Hospital Reynosa we provide high quality medical services to the Tamaulipas border community read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
    by request
  2. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  3. Hemicolectomy
    ≈ $4,523
  4. Rectum anterior resection
    ≈ $3,507
  5. Conization
    ≈ $735
  6. Open hysterectomy
    ≈ $1,641
  7. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
    ≈ $411
  8. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)
    ≈ $1,799
  9. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
    ≈ $1,449
photo
Chittagong, Bangladesh
Specializations: Thoracic surgery, Oncology
Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital is a 650-bedded hospital, which includes Paediatrics Medicine, Neonatology, Pediatric Surgery, Paediatric Neorology, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medicine & it's sub-specialists. read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors
    by request
  2. Simple mastectomy
    from $1,168
  3. Lumpectomy
    $859
  4. Subcutaneous mastectomy
    $1,226
  5. Surgical breast biopsy
    ≈ $768
  6. Needle biopsy
    ≈ $225
  7. Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy
    ≈ $821
  8. Partial mastectomy
    ≈ $1,657
  9. Radical mastectomy
    ≈ $3,368
photo
Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
Specializations: Orthopedic surgery, Oncology
Mammacentrum St. Agáty is a member of the SVET ZDRAVIA hospital network. It is a specialized hospital that comprehensively deals with the diagnosis and treatment read more
Prices for popular procedures:
  1. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
    by request
  2. Conization
    ≈ $1,270
  3. Open hysterectomy
    ≈ $3,106
  4. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
    from $732
  5. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)
    ≈ $4,012
  6. Simple mastectomy
    ≈ $3,461
  7. Myomectomy
    ≈ $1,270
  8. Lumpectomy
    ≈ $1,370
  9. Ovarian transposition
    ≈ $1,501
photo
Belgrade, Serbia
Specializations: Thoracic surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Oncology
In one place, you are provided with the highest quality medical assistance by leading specialists and subspecialists from almost all areas of modern medicine. Euromedik read more

Clinics grouping by rating

Clinic with the highest rating of 5 — Berkana clinic in Moscow, Russia and 5 more, clinic with the most reviews number of 35757 — Aster CMI hospital in Bengaluru, India.

With rating 4.0 and over — 291 clinics .

Countries with the highest number of clinics treating the diseases:

Head and neck cancer:

Related procedures:

Head and Neck Cancer: Overview and Treatment Options

Disease Types & Epidemiology

How common is the disease?

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that originate from the upper aerodigestive tract (lips, tongue, mouth, throat, and larynx or voice box), the salivary glands, the nasopharynx (the area that connects the nose and the upper part of the throat) or the sinuses and nasal cavity. Almost all cancers in these areas are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCHN), meaning they arise from the mucosal linings of these body parts.

These types of cancer make up about 4% of all cancer cases in the United States, with around 58,450 new diagnoses and 12,230 deaths expected in 2024 [American Cancer Society data, 2024].

The location most frequently affected is the oral cavity, accounting for 41% of all head and neck cancers, followed by pharynx and larynx cancers with 22% and 24%, respectively.

Other types of tumors, like epithelial tumors of nasal cavities, nasopharynx, eye and adnexa, and middle ears, occur in less than five people per million. These cancer types are categorized as rare cancers of the head and neck.

Causes & Risk Factors

What is the primary issue of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?

Tobacco consumption and alcohol drinking have been linked to more than 70% of head and neck cancers. Some other risk factors have been identified as well.

Tobacco consumption. The risk is directly linked to the time and quantity of tobacco consumption. It has been found, however, that the risk decreases in time after quitting its use. Secondhand smoking (passive smoking) also increases the risk. Not only tobacco smoking but the consumption of smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, has been associated with oral cancer.

Alcohol. Alcohol consumption has been associated with the majority of cases of head and neck cancer. The risk associated with alcohol drinking increases in time and proportionally to the quantities of alcohol consumed. Heavy drinkers are at higher risk, 5−fold for oral cancer and 7−fold for pharyngeal cancers.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV). Evidence of infection with HPV, particularly HPV16, has been found in cancers of the oropharynx, much less in the oral cavity and larynx. Moreover, sexual behaviors are correlated to head and neck cancers, such as earlier age at sexual debut and multiple sexual partners.

Having a first−degree relative (parents, siblings, or children) affected and low socioeconomic status have also been correlated with head and neck cancers. However, they could only be reflecting the variability of exposure to alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Other important risk factors are a diet high in animal fats and low in fresh fruit for all types of head and neck cancer, prolonged exposure to sunlight for lip cancer; gastro−oesophageal reflux disease for larynx and pharynx cancers, radiation exposure for salivary glands cancer and yerba mate drinking for oral cavity cancers. There are also some pre−cancerous conditions, such as white and red patches (leukoplakia and erythroplakia, respectively) associated with tobacco use or other conditions that increase the risk of developing cancer in the mouth.

Clinical Manifestation & Symptoms

What signs should one anticipate while suspecting squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?

Head and neck cancers can be suspected with the appearance of symptoms depending on the cancer's specific location. Lump in the neck, tongue sore, bleeding area, white or red patch in the mouth, pain in the throat, painful swallowing, persistent hoarseness, blocked nose on one side, and/or bloody discharge from the nose are symptoms that when persistent for more than three weeks, should be investigated by a doctor.

For example, there might be sores that do not heal in the oral cavity and persistent mouth pain. In the pharynx, symptoms could include difficulty swallowing, throat pain, or a lump in the neck. If it is the larynx, hoarseness, or trouble breathing, a persistent cough might occur. Tumors in the sinuses and nasal cavity could result in blocked sinuses, chronic sinus infections, nose bleeds, or headaches. At the same time, those affecting salivary glands may cause swelling under the chin or around the jaw, numbness, or paralysis of facial muscles.

Diagnostic Route

When, where, and how should the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma be detected?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging studies, endoscopy, and biopsy:

  • Physical Examination may include visual inspection of the mouth, nose, and neck, using a light and a mirror for a clearer view. Observation and palpation of the lips, cheeks, gums, and neck are performed to investigate for lumps or other abnormalities.
  • Imaging - CT, MRI, and PET scans - are used to assess the extent of the disease.

A CT scan can show soft tissues, including lymph nodes, bony structures, and blood vessels, at the same time. However, MRI has a better resolution when compared to picture details of soft tissues. Hence, MRI is the preferable staging procedure for every tumor subsite except laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

A chest X-ray or PET scan is recommended to evaluate the eventual presence of metastases in the lung or a primary tumor in the lung. In that regard, a chest CT scan may be performed for more extensive tumors.

  • Endoscopy. While the oral cavity and oral pharynx may be inspected directly, visualizing the nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx requires the use of indirect mirror laryngoscopy and/or endoscopy, a procedure to examine the areas inside the body using a thin, lighted and flexible tube called endoscope.
  • Biopsy. A tissue sample is taken for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. This action can be done via endoscopy and, depending on tumor location, simply by opening the mouth or, in some cases, by taking a sample from an enlarged lymph node in the neck.

Doctors use staging to assess the cancer's extension and the patient's prognosis. The TNM staging system is commonly used. The combination of T (size of the tumor and invasion of nearby tissue), N (involvement of lymph nodes), and M (metastasis or spread of the cancer to other body parts) will classify the cancer into one of the stages explained later.

The stage is fundamental to making the right decision about the treatment. The lower the stage, the better the prognosis. Staging is usually performed twice: after clinical and radiological examination and after surgery. If surgery is performed, staging may also be influenced by the laboratory examination of the removed tumor. Staging is very particular for each cancer location as the structures affected differ. However, there is a general principle of SCCHN diagnosis.

Stage I

  • Tumor size and infiltration: 2 cm in diameter or less with no infiltration of contiguous tissues.
  • Lymph nodes involved: No.
  • Distant organs involved: No.

Stage II

  • Tumor size and infiltration: Tumour of more than 2 cm but no more than 4 cm or already involving neighboring sites.
  • Lymph nodes involved: No.
  • Distant organs involved: No.

Stage III

  • Tumor size and infiltration: Tumour of more than 4 cm.

OR

  • Lymph nodes involved: Yes, and 3 cm maximum.
  • Distant organs involved: No.

Stage IVA

  • Tumor size and infiltration: Any size and infiltration.
  • Lymph nodes involved: Yes, and between 3 and 6 cm.
  • Distant organs involved: No.

Stage IVB

  • Tumor size and infiltration: The tumor invades the space in front of the spine in the neck, the carotid artery, or structures in the area between the lungs called mediastinum, such as the trachea and esophagus.

OR

  • Lymph nodes involved: Yes, and sized more than 6 cm.
  • Distant organs involved: No.

Stage IVC: regardless of the size of the primary tumor and the lymph nodes involved, if

any, a distant organ is involved (distant metastasis).

Thus, early-stage SCCHN (I-II) describes the primary tumor as smaller than 4 cm in diameter. It could partially affect the vocal cords in the larynx, but invasion of surrounding tissues is limited. Lymph nodes and distant organs present no sign of disease.

On the other hand, in advanced-stage SCCHN (III-IV), the primary tumor is larger than 4 cm, invading surrounding tissues in a way that could compromise functionality, for example, paralyzing the vocal cords in larynx cancer. Other than that, lymph nodes and/or distant organs could be invaded.

Treatment Approaches

What are the options for managing squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?

Treatment protocol for early-stages SCCHN (stages I-II)

First-line approach:

  • Surgery is the primary focus of treatment for these stages. Methods range from essential removal to more intricate operations, such as neck dissection, contingent on the tumor's position and size. The objective is total extraction with clear margins. Surgical intervention achieves a high success rate in early-stage SCCHN, leading to a 5-year survival rate of around 70-90%.
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is often employed after surgery or as the leading treatment option when surgery is not possible. IMRT accurately focuses on the tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissue, leading to reduced adverse effects. The effectiveness of radiation therapy in early-stage SCCHN is comparable to that of surgery, with high rates of local control achieved.

IMRT in a second-line treatment remains the preferred method.

Treatment protocol for advanced-stages SCCHN (III-IV stages)

First-line approach:

  • Combined modality treatment: advanced-stage SCCHN typically necessitates a combination of surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to achieve the best results. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for stage III and IV cancers ranges from 30% to 50%.
    • Chemoradiation: concurrent chemoradiation is commonly used for patients who are not eligible for surgery. Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy has demonstrated enhanced overall survival and control of the cancer in the local region.
    • Chemotherapy: cisplatin is frequently used in combination with radiation as a chemotherapy treatment. It functions by causing damage to the DNA of cancer cells, ultimately resulting in their demise. The success rate for chemoradiation involving cisplatin is around 50-70% for advanced SCCHN.

Second-line therapy:

  • Immunotherapy: immune checkpoint blockers like pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been authorized to treat recurring or spreading SCCHN. These medications function by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which cancer cells utilize to avoid detection by the immune system. In this scenario, the response rate to immunotherapy is approximately 20-30%, and some patients achieve long-lasting results.

Methods of Treatment for Specific Types of Tumors

Oropharyngeal Cancer

  • First-line approach: Transoral robotic surgery in combination with radiation or chemoradiation. TORS enables the minimally invasive removal of tumors with reduced complications.
  • Second-line therapy: Immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors for cases of recurring disease. Keytruda and Opdivo have demonstrated effectiveness in patients who have not responded to previous treatments.

Laryngeal Cancer

  • First-line approach: Surgery that preserves organs, such as partial laryngectomy and radiation therapy. The goal is to maintain voice function while achieving control at a local level.
  • Second-line therapy: Total laryngectomy for persistent or recurring disease. This procedure involves the complete removal of the larynx, requiring a permanent tracheostomy.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

  • First-line approach: Simultaneous chemoradiation, usually involving cisplatin. This combination is highly successful in treating nasopharyngeal cancer, resulting in high response rates and improved survival rates.
  • Second-line therapy: Salvage surgery or additional cisplatin-based chemotherapy for cases that do not respond well to initial treatment.

Prognosis & Follow-up

How does cutting-edge science improve the lifespan and quality of life for those with the disease?

The prognosis for SCCHN differs greatly depending on the stage at diagnosis, where the tumor is located, and whether it is HPV-positive or negative:

  • Early stages (I-II) have a 5-year survival rate of around 70-90%.
  • In advanced stages (III-IV), the 5-year survival rate decreases to 30-50%.
  • Oropharyngeal cancer with HPV-positivity generally shows better prospects compared to HPV-negative tumors, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 80%.

Initial follow-up: patients with necessary physical exams and imaging are usually checked every 1-3 months during the initial year. Detecting recurrence early is essential for effective treatment.

Long-term follow-up: appointments every six months in the second and third years, then annually. Regular dental check-ups and nutritional assistance are vital to managing potential treatment complications.

  • Alejandro Santos, M.D.
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