Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers encompass a range of malignancies affecting the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), nasal cavity, salivary glands, and thyroid. They represent approximately 4% of all cancers in the United States. When detected early, many head and neck cancers are highly treatable — making prompt evaluation of warning signs critically important.

At The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness, Dr. David C. Brodner provides thorough head and neck evaluation and appropriate diagnostic workup for patients in Boynton Beach, FL and South Florida who present with symptoms concerning for head or neck cancer.

Call (561) 735-8750 to schedule your evaluation today.

Many head and neck cancers are closely linked to tobacco use and alcohol consumption — the two most significant modifiable risk factors. HPV infection has also emerged as a major driver of oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, particularly in younger patients who do not smoke. When detected early, these cancers are typically treatable. Awareness of warning signs is critical.

Symptoms that warrant prompt ENT evaluation include:

• A persistent lump or mass in the neck lasting more than two weeks
• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks
• Persistent pain when swallowing
• Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than three weeks
• Difficulty breathing or chronic throat clearing
• Ear pain not explained by a primary ear condition
• Unexplained bleeding from the mouth, nose, or throat
• Growths or white or red patches in the mouth
• Persistent difficulty chewing or moving the jaw
• Unexplained weight loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in Boynton Beach, FL, do not wait — call (561) 735-8750 to schedule an evaluation at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness. Early diagnosis is the single most important factor in improving outcomes for head and neck cancers.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer

The hypopharynx is the lower portion of the pharynx — the tube running from the back of the nose to the windpipe and esophagus. Hypopharyngeal cancer symptoms often include a persistent sore throat, pain with swallowing, and ear pain. Because early symptoms are frequently absent or subtle, this cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Most hypopharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Diagnosis involves physical examination, CT or MRI imaging, chest X-ray, and tissue biopsy. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove cancerous tissue followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx or voice box. Common presenting symptoms include hoarseness, voice changes, pain with swallowing, difficulty breathing, ear pain, a neck lump, and persistent cough. Over 90% of laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which generally respond well to surgery, radiation, or a combination. Early-stage laryngeal cancers detected when they are confined to the vocal cords carry an excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment.

Oral Cavity Cancer

Oral cavity cancers affect the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, hard palate, and inner cheeks. They often begin as painless white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) that are frequently dismissed as benign mouth sores . Persistent oral lesions that do not heal within two to three weeks require biopsy to rule out malignancy.

Tobacco and alcohol use are the primary risk factors, though HPV-related oral cancers are an emerging and increasingly recognized subgroup.

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oropharyngeal cancers affect the soft palate, tonsils, back of the tongue, and posterior throat wall. HPV infection — particularly HPV type 16 — is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the United States, responsible for a rapidly increasing incidence in non-smoking adults. Symptoms include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a neck mass, and ear pain. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers generally carry a better prognosis than tobacco-related cancers when treated appropriately.

Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancers can arise in the parotid, submandibular, or minor salivary glands. They often present as a painless lump in the jaw or neck. While most salivary gland tumors are benign, malignant variants exist and require prompt evaluation. Diagnosis typically involves imaging and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Treatment depends on tumor type and stage and may involve surgical removal with or without radiation therapy.

What are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancer?

The two most significant modifiable risk factors are tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco) and heavy alcohol consumption — particularly in combination, which multiplies risk substantially. HPV infection, especially HPV type 16, is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Other risk factors include excessive sun exposure (for lip cancer), radiation exposure, certain dietary deficiencies, and a family history of head and neck cancer.

What is the most important early warning sign of head and neck cancer?

A painless, persistent lump in the neck lasting more than two weeks is one of the most important warning signs of head and neck cancer — particularly lymph node metastasis from an oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal primary tumor. Other critical signs include a mouth sore that does not heal in two to three weeks, hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, and persistent difficulty swallowing.

Any of these symptoms warrants prompt ENT evaluation at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness. Call (561) 735-8750 today.

Is HPV related to head and neck cancer?

Yes. HPV — particularly HPV type 16 — is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancer in the United States, driving a significant increase in incidence over the past two decades in non-smoking adults. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers often present with a neck mass as the first sign and generally carry a more favorable prognosis than tobacco-related head and neck cancers when treated appropriately.

HPV vaccination in adolescents is an important prevention strategy.

How does Dr. Brodner evaluate a suspected head or neck cancer?

Dr. Brodner performs a comprehensive head and neck examination — including flexible fiberoptic endoscopy to visualize the throat, larynx, and nasal passages — combined with a thorough history and assessment of risk factors. When a concerning lesion or mass is identified, appropriate imaging (CT, MRI) and tissue biopsy are arranged to establish a definitive diagnosis. Dr. Brodner coordinates with oncology, radiation oncology, and head and neck surgery specialists for patients requiring multidisciplinary cancer care.

Are head and neck cancers curable?

When detected early, many head and neck cancers carry excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment. For example, early-stage laryngeal cancers confined to the vocal cords have a five-year survival rate greater than 80–90% with radiation or surgery. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers also generally respond well to treatment.

Advanced-stage cancers are significantly more challenging to treat — which is why early evaluation of warning signs at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness is so important. Call (561) 735-8750 if you are concerned about any symptoms.

Can quitting smoking reduce my head and neck cancer risk?

Yes — significantly. The risk of developing head and neck cancer drops progressively with each year of tobacco abstinence. After five to ten years of cessation, the risk approaches that of lifelong non-smokers for several head and neck cancer subtypes. Quitting smoking is the single most impactful step a current tobacco user can take to reduce their cancer risk across the board — including head and neck, lung, esophageal, and bladder cancers.

What is the connection between a persistent sore throat and throat cancer?

A sore throat lasting more than three to four weeks that is not explained by a viral or bacterial infection — particularly if accompanied by difficulty swallowing, ear pain, hoarseness, or a neck mass — should be promptly evaluated by an ENT physician.

While the vast majority of sore throats are caused by common, benign conditions, a persistent, unexplained sore throat can be an early symptom of pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer. At The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness, Dr. Brodner performs thorough laryngoscopic examination to evaluate for any concerning lesions.

Call (561) 735-8750 to schedule.

Do not ignore symptoms that persist beyond two to three weeks. Early evaluation saves lives. The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness provides comprehensive head and neck cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation for patients throughout Boynton Beach, FL and Palm Beach County. Call (561) 735-8750 or call the practice — same-day and next-day availability.