The Pediatric Head & Neck Cancer Foundation is powering the resources and research to advance innovative treatments for children with these often complex tumors. And, just as there are many different HN cancers, there are also various treatment options based on the specific needs of the child and the nature of the cancer. For some children, more than one type of treatment may be necessary. We welcome the opportunity to share information you can trust about some of these most common treatments that may be explored with a child’s care team.

Surgery

Tumors may be removed surgically. The approach that a surgeon takes depends on factors such as the cancer’s:

  • Size
  • Location
  • Type

Sometimes, the entire tumor may be removed, and no more treatment is necessary. Other times, additional treatment may be necessary to keep any cells left behind from evolving into new cancers.

Chemotherapy

Often used in conjunction with surgery and other therapies (such as radiation), chemotherapy medicines work by eliminating cancer cells or by stopping their continued growth. Chemo may be administered either orally as pills, capsules, or liquids. They are absorbed into the bloodstream via the digestive tract. Chemo may also be introduced directly into the child’s bloodstream or intravenously. IV or oral chemotherapy may be appropriate based on factors such as the child’s overall health, risk of potential side effects, and the type and stage or severity of the cancer.

Radiation

Using a special machine, beams of high-energy radiation may be directed toward cancer cells and tumors. This dose of radiation kills the cancerous cells and shrinks the tumors. The level of radiation exposure will depend on things like the child’s age, and HN cancer type and location. Great care is taken when recommending and planning radiation therapy, given its potential effect on normal, non-cancerous tissues and children’s developmental patterns as they are growing.

Targeted therapy

Also known as precision medicine and molecularly targeted drugs, targeted therapies are associated with less harm to healthy cells. True to their name, these medications precisely target cancer cells to slow the progression of the tumor. They also inhibit the spread of cancers by disrupting specific molecules in the tumor.