At AnMed, head and neck cancer care is built around helping you feel informed, supported, and in control from the very start. You’ll get clear explanations about your diagnosis, what your treatment options look like, and how each step may affect everyday things like speaking, eating, or swallowing.
Head & Neck Cancer Areas
Head and neck cancer can develop in many areas, and knowing the signs can help you get care early. Common areas include:
- Lips: Sores or lumps that don’t heal
- Lymph nodes: Swelling or lumps in the neck
- Mouth and throat: Pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent sores
- Nasal cavity and sinuses: Blockages, nosebleeds, or facial pain
- Salivary glands: Swelling or lumps under the jaw or in the mouth
- Skin: Changes in texture, color, or non-healing lesions
- Thyroid: Lumps or swelling at the base of the neck
- Voice box (larynx): Hoarseness or changes in your voice
Prevention
The most common head and neck cancer is a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. It often starts in the middle or outer layers of the skin in the mouth, throat, or nasal passages. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted virus. Avoiding these risks and monitoring any unusual changes can help protect your health.
Meet Your Care Team
At AnMed, your head and neck cancer care begins with a coordinated team of specialists. You may see an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a medical oncologist, all working together to create a treatment plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you’re in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens counties, or Hartwell, Georgia, your team ensures every step of your care is clear and coordinated.
Guidance From a Patient Navigator
A dedicated patient navigator is here to help you feel confident and informed. This nurse answers your questions, explains your diagnosis in plain language, assists with appointment scheduling, and connects you to local resources, including financial assistance and transportation. With a navigator by your side, you’ll feel supported and in control of your care.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and stage of your cancer. Options may include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor and, when necessary, nearby lymph nodes
- Radiation therapy to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue
- Chemotherapy to treat cancer throughout the body
Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery or radiation alone, while more advanced cases often require a combination of therapies. Frequent follow-ups help your care team track your progress and adjust your plan so you receive the right care at the right time.
Opportunities Through Clinical Trials
AnMed offers access to clinical trials, providing the chance to explore new treatments under expert guidance. Your care team can discuss whether a clinical trial is a good fit for you.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Treatment can affect your ability to speak, swallow, breathe, and even your appearance. Rehabilitation at AnMed’s Voice Clinic helps restore speech and swallowing skills, and reconstructive surgery can be arranged with a plastic surgeon if needed. The focus is on helping you regain function and confidence.
Support for You and Your Family
Your care at AnMed goes beyond medical treatment. We help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer care. Support groups, classes, and counseling connect you with others and make the treatment process easier to navigate.
We offer services for your mind, body and spirit, including:
- Support groups and the Cancer Resource Center: Connect with others and find helpful information when you need it — in person or online.
- Impressions Appearance Shoppe: Get products that help you look and feel your best.
- Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.
