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Oncology Hospital :: Head & Neck Cancer Unit
Curative Treatments & Focus on Quality of Life
The term "head and neck cancer" encompasses a wide range of tumours that occur in several areas of the head and neck region, including the nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), swallowing passages, salivary glands and the thyroid gland. Skin cancers that develop on the scalp, face or neck may also be considered head and neck cancers.
Treatment of head and neck cancer can be a complex undertaking involving not only issues of survival but also concerns about cosmetic results and functions such as vision, smell, hearing, speech and swallowing.
To meet these diverse needs, the HCIH Head and Neck Disease Management Team includes a wide array of medical professionals, including specialists in surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, endocrinology, radiology, pathology, speech therapy, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dental and maxillofacial prosthetics, nutrition and pain management.
The team also includes physicians who will help patients to cope with the emotional and practical aspects of disease and others who can help with related issues such as cessation of smoking, which is linked to the development of head and neck cancer.
This comprehensive team approach ensures that patients have access to specialists in every aspect of their disease, and that treatment planning takes into account all facets of their care and considers the entire range of treatment options.
