Head and Neck Cancer

State-of-the-Art Head and Neck Cancer Care

Questions? Call 216-778-7328 Locations Our Team

Unmatched Head and Neck Cancer Care in Cleveland

Reducing your risk factors, talking to your provider about symptoms, and visiting your provider and dentist regularly will help prevent or detect head and neck cancers early for your healthiest possible outcome.

Reducing your risk for Head and Neck Cancers

Smoking and using smokeless tobacco are significant risk factors for head and neck cancers. Many head and neck cancers develop because of inflammation, so alcohol use and poor dental hygiene are also risk factors.

HPV causes many throat cancers, so immunizing teens against HPV is an important preventative step.

Tell your provider about symptoms

Often, head and neck cancers have symptoms like a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, a lump in the neck, and painful sores inside the mouth or throat that do not heal. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to visit your provider to be screened for head and neck cancer.

Screening for head and neck cancers usually includes a physical exam of areas of concern. Since many throat cancers are caused by HPV, your provider may also recommend a blood test to detect HPV.

Regular dental visits are helpful for detecting many head and neck cancers.

Personalized Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

If you are diagnosed with a head or neck cancer, our team will work together to discuss your cancer and how to move forward with treatment.

Your personalized treatment plan will depend on the location, stage, and type of head and neck cancer.

Treatments may include:

Surgery
Surgery, with radiation and chemotherapy following
Definitive radiation, possibly with chemotherapy
Specialized radiation treatment to minimize radiation exposure to normal tissue
Immunotherapy to help your immune system recognize and fight cancer

We encourage clinical trial participation, and will recommend appropriate trials to provide innovative therapies.

Recovering from Head and Neck Cancer

At MetroHealth, you’ll receive care from our oncology team, recognized by the American College of Surgeons for the highest possible level of training and expertise.

Provider with a reassuring hand on patient's shoulder

With You Every Step

MetroHealth cares for you on every step of your journey:

You’ll benefit from integrated behavioral health services every step of the way, because mental health plays a vital role in well-being.
We partner with American Cancer Society, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and other community organizations to provide support, resources, and care for patients and families.

Social Workers Available

MetroHealth provides a social worker to help patients navigate their cancer journey and connect with resources. Call 216-778-8204 to connect with a social worker.

Group of women wearing pink going for a jog

The Gathering Place

MetroHealth partners with The Gathering Place to provide individual, group, and family support services, including nutrition and exercise programs, the Regina Brett Wig Salon, special programs, and legal or financial consultation.

Working Towards Health Equity

High rates of head and neck cancers exist among minoritized populations for several reasons.

Patient with bandage after receiving vaccination

Low HPV immunization rates

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2021 only 58.5% of adolescents age 13-15 had received 2 or 3 doses of HPV vaccine as recommended. African Americans are 10% less likely to have received an HPV vaccine as white populations, and men are less likely to receive the vaccine than women. MetroHealth encourages all teenagers to receive a full course of HPV vaccines to prevent some throat cancers later in life.

Smoking and tobacco use

35% of people in Cleveland smoke. Reducing this statistic is important to preventing head and neck cancers. If you need help quitting, learn more about our Nicotine Dependence Prevention and Treatment Program.

Regular provider visits

Visiting the doctor on a regular basis is important for preventing head and neck cancers. To schedule an appointment, call 216-MY-METRO. If you need transportation to your appointment, we can help.

Advancing Care Through Research

At MetroHealth, every oncologist participates in research, bringing advances in cancer care directly to your bedside. We address health disparities by enrolling people from minority populations in clinical trials at more than 4 times the national average.

For more information about our studies, or to enroll in a study that might be right for you, contact our oncology team at 216-77-TREAT.

A Team Dedicated to You

The MetroHealth Cancer Institute team is setting a new standard of cancer care in northeast Ohio.

Meet the Institute Team

Our Expertise. Your Healthiest Outcome.

The MetroHealth Cancer Institute is accredited by The Commission on Cancer and The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

Both accreditations are through the American College of Surgeons and reflect our team’s high level of expertise and quality care.

Specialty Care

Our head and neck cancer specialists work closely with our ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology) providers to prevent, detect and treat head and neck cancer.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Department