Head & Neck Cancers
Advanced Radiation Therapy for Cancers of the Head and Neck
Head and neck cancers include a broad spectrum of tumors that arise in the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), paranasal sinuses, and salivary glands. These cancers vary widely depending on their exact location and cellular origin.
Risk factors include:
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- HPV infection, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers (tonsils and base of tongue)
At Advanced Radiation Centers of New York (ARC), we provide individualized, high-precision radiation therapy supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts in radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and diagnostic imaging.
The most common types are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop from the mucosal lining of the mouth, throat, and voice box.
Key subtypes include:
- Oropharyngeal cancers (tonsils, base of tongue): Often caused by high-risk HPV, which typically responds better to treatment and has a more favorable prognosis than HPV-negative disease.
- Laryngeal cancer (voice box)
- Hypopharyngeal cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Salivary gland tumors
- Sinonasal cancers
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location but may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Neck mass or swelling
- Mouth ulcers that don’t heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ear pain or hearing changes
Early diagnosis is essential. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, medical evaluation is advised.
Treatment depends on:
- Tumor location
- Stage of disease
- HPV status
- Patient health and preferences
Common Modalities:
- Surgery (may be used to remove localized tumors)
- Radiation therapy (often used alone or after surgery)
- Chemotherapy or targeted therapy (frequently combined with radiation for advanced disease)
At ARC, our radiation oncologists tailor each plan to ensure optimal tumor control while minimizing side effects.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Enables conformal radiation delivery with exceptional precision—ideal for tumors near sensitive structures like the spinal cord, salivary glands, and oral tissues. Reduces side effects such as dry mouth and swallowing difficulty.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Incorporates real-time imaging before and during treatment to track tumor position and ensure pinpoint accuracy—essential for areas prone to movement or anatomical changes.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Delivers high-dose radiation in a limited number of sessions for small, well-defined tumors, such as isolated recurrences or metastases in the head and neck region.
While highly effective, radiation to the head and neck may cause temporary side effects, including:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in taste or smell
- Mouth or throat soreness
- Skin irritation
At ARC, we proactively address these with:
- Nutritional counseling
- Speech and swallowing therapy
- Pain and symptom management
- Oral care protocols to reduce infection and promote healing
- Multidisciplinary coordination with head and neck surgeons, ENT specialists, and medical oncologists
- Use of state-of-the-art radiation technologies to protect function and quality of life
- Expertise in treating HPV-related cancers, which require unique considerations
- Personalized care with compassionate support throughout the treatment journey
Consultation
Your care at ARC begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this initial visit, you and your family will meet with one of our experienced radiation oncologists to review your diagnosis and medical history. Together, you’ll explore the most appropriate and effective radiation treatment options tailored to your individual needs. The discussion will also include treatment expectations, potential side effects, and available alternatives to ensure you are fully informed and confident in your care plan.
Simulation (Your Treatment Planning Session)
Once radiation is recommended, you’ll begin with a session called a simulation—a detailed planning appointment that lasts about 45–60 minutes.
During this session:
- We help you get into the best position for your treatment, sometimes using a custom mold to ensure you’re positioned the same way every day.
- Tiny, freckle-sized tattoos may be placed on your skin to help us align your body accurately before each treatment.
- A special imaging scan is performed to pinpoint exactly where the cancer is, so we can target it while protecting nearby healthy tissues.
The Planning process (Behind the Scenes)
After your simulation, your care team—which includes your radiation oncologist, medical physicists, and dosimetrists—will work together to create a custom radiation plan just for you. Using advanced 3D computer software, they map out how to deliver the exact amount of radiation to the right place, while minimizing exposure to healthy areas.
This planning process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and it results in a detailed “blueprint” that guides your daily treatments.
Daily Radiation Treatments
Radiation is typically given once a day, five days a week for several weeks. Treatments are done using a machine called a linear accelerator, which delivers invisible, high-energy radiation beams to the cancer.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Each visit takes about 10–15 minutes, with most of the time spent getting you into position. The actual treatment only lasts a few minutes.
- You won’t see or feel the radiation, and there’s no pain during treatment.
- The treatment room is spacious and not claustrophobic.
- In some cases (such as prostate treatment), you may be asked to drink water before your appointment to help move the bladder away from the treatment area.
- Most patients feel well enough to drive themselves, go to work, exercise, and continue their daily routines.
Your radiation oncologist will let you know if there are any specific precautions or changes you should make during treatment.
Weekly On-Treatment Physician Review
During your treatment course, you’ll have weekly visits with your radiation oncologist. These short check-ins help us:
- Monitor how you’re feeling
- Check for any side effects
- Adjust medications if needed
- Answer any questions you have
These visits are an important part of your care and help us support you every step of the way.
Completion of Therapy and Follow-Ups
At the end of your treatment, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to talk about:
- What to expect in the coming weeks
- How side effects should improve
- Whether any additional treatment or follow-up is needed
Regular follow-up appointments are essential after radiation to monitor your recovery and watch for any signs of recurrence. We’ll be here to support you long after your final treatment.
If you ever have questions or need guidance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you feel informed, confident, and cared for throughout your journey.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a head or neck cancer, Advanced Radiation Centers of New York offers comprehensive, cutting-edge care close to home.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn about your treatment options.