Head and neck cancers account for approximately 5 to 7 percent of all new cancer cases in the United States, occurring more than twice as often in men than in women. These cancers most frequently affect people with habitual tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

Signs and Symptoms

• Swelling of the gums or impaired jaw mobility
• Bleeding, painful or loose teeth
• Nasal obstructions
• Voice changes
• Lump or mass on the neck

Treatment

Early detection is important in treating all forms of cancer. Most head and neck cancers are treated using one or more of the following options:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Types of head and neck cancer

• Cancer of the larynx (also called the voicebox, located in a short passageway shaped like a triangle that is just below the pharynx in the neck)
• Cancer of the oropharynx (in the middle part of the throat)

Information

For more information about the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment, please call (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

Shands at UF Cancer Services were ranked 46th in the country by U.S.News&World Report. Learn more.

Shands at UF Cancer Services Navigation

History

University of Florida Shands Cancer Center 2007 Annual Report (PDF file)

Types of Cancer

Brain Cancer

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancers

Genitourinary Cancers

Gynecological Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Larynx Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Cancer Treatment

Bone Marrow Transplant

Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Surgery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about cancer services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.