ENT cancers can be treated successfully, and the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure. Early treatment is also likely to have fewer side effects. It is important to seek medical advice early if you find any warning signs as this can mean an earlier diagnosis if a cancer is present.
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatments for head and neck cancers. The exact treatment option is decided by the doctor according to the type and extent of the cancer.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy (given directly into a vein) are usually given over several weeks to treat the cancer.
Because of its location in the back of the nose, surgery is not normally used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer but it is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Thyroid Cancer
Surgery is needed to remove the cancer and any involved lymph nodes in the neck.
Radioactive iodine treatment is often given several weeks after surgery to clear remaining cancer cells in the body. This is taken by the patient in capsule or liquid form and it targets and kills any remaining thyroid cancer cells.
Lymphoma
Chemotherapy is usually needed as the lymph system, which occurs throughout the whole body, is involved. Radiotherapy may be used when the cancer only involves one part of the body.
Other treatments such as antibody or immunotherapy may be used. This involves a medication, which sticks to cancer cells and causes the immune system to attack the cells.
Information kindly provided by Dr David Lau, ENT surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital.