Head And Neck (HN) Cancer Treatment

Head and neck (HN) tumors account for one out of every five cancers detected in children. The rate of pediatric head and neck (HN) cancers has been growing for the past 20-plus years and is outpacing overall cancer incidence rates for children as a whole. Specific to children, the most common type of HN cancer is thyroid carcinoma, which accounts for 38.4% of all tumors.

Researchers in Denmark report that children with these cancers most commonly present with swelling of the neck and unexplained fatigue. It’s important to understand how symptoms can vary when comparing HN to other pediatric cancers and pediatric HN to adult HN. Too often, we have tried to lump pediatric head and neck (HN) cancers in with their adult HN cancer counterparts. But we all know that kids are not simply “little adults.” They have distinctive pathophysiology, anatomy, psychosocial, and other needs unique to children. Failure to account for these differences has contributed to the current pediatric head and neck (HN) cancer crisis. Too many children are being diagnosed with these tumors too late.

Cancer treatments can largely vary based on factors such as the tumor site and its “stage” or how far the cancer has spread. Generally, treatment may include surgery to remove as much of the tumor as is safely possible (“a chance to cut is a chance to cure”). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also represent treatment options that kill malignant cells or stop them from growing. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation and the use of medications to inhibit the production of specific hormones may be appropriate for some tumor types. Our co-founders at the Pediatric Head and Neck (HN) Cancer Foundation are also behind innovative research that has powered big breakthroughs in the treatment of these cancers; for instance, Dr. Joseph Lopez is considered to be a leading authority in the computer-aided techniques for tumor resections and intra-operative radiation in pediatric patients with skull-base sarcomas. These techniques help minimize complications associated with surgery and radiation therapy while supporting precise and targeted treatment.

The types of innovations that make real strides in our mission of improving quality, specialty pediatric care do not happen overnight and require substantial investment. We welcome your support and are also here to support those whose lives have been affected by these devastating cancers. Contact us at (650) 382-3831 or be the change today by visiting the “Donate Now” page.