Head & neck cancer treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, we know how overwhelming that can be. But at Advocate Health Care, we combine compassionate care with the most advanced technology available to help you fight the condition with confidence.

Find an Advocate Cancer Institute near you.

Treatments we offer

Treatment of head and neck cancer depends on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer (early or advanced), how treatment will affect the way you talk, breathe or eat, your overall health and your personal feelings about certain treatments and possible side effects. Our goal is keep you feeling well throughout the process without major changes to your usual routine.

Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with powerful medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation, to treat tumors that have developed in other areas or to relieve symptoms when the cancer cannot be cured. Whenever possible, Advocate Health Care uses newer medications that help maximize results and minimize side effects.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent recurrence of the disease. Advocate Health Care uses the most advanced radiation technology available to treat head and neck cancer.

• 3D conformal radiation therapy: 3D conformal radiation therapy shapes the radiation beams to match the shape of the tumor to target cancerous tissue more precisely while avoiding the healthy surrounding tissue. Exact targeting makes it possible to use higher levels of radiation in treatment. More radiation is more effective in shrinking and killing tumors.
• Intensity-modified radiation therapy (IMRT): This therapy uses linear accelerators to safely and painlessly deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissue.

Need a second opinion?

One of our experts can confirm a diagnosis, review your treatment plan or explore alternate options, if needed.

Learn about our Second Opinion Program.