Your Questions

Frequently
Asked
Questions

FAQs from our patients and subscribers

What are cancers of the head and neck?

Cancer is defined as the growth of cells that invade and may cause damage to surrounding tissue.
Cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck ("carcinomas").
Cancers are categorized by the area of the head or neck in which they begin.
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What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer ("mouth cancer") appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not heal. It includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate. Oral cancers may also encompass the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, salivary glands.
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What is pharyngeal cancer?

Pharyngeal cancer ("throat cancer") refers cancerous tumors that develop in your throat (pharynx). The throat is a muscular tube that begins behind your nasal cavity and ends at your upper esophageal sphincter. Pharyngeal cancer may also include tonsilar regions and thyroid.
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What is laryngeal cancer?

The larynx ("voicebox"), is a cartilaginous passageway below the pharynx in the neck. The larynx sits above the trachea ("windpipe"), which leads to the lungs. Laryngeal cancer can affect the vocal cords, which is within the larynx. It may also affect the piece of cartilage tissue (epiglottis) that acts as a lid for your windpipe.
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I was just diagnosed. What will happen next?

Each cancer journey and path along survivorship is unique. There will be many phases that require deep consideration of various qualities of life. We hope this website, and others referenced on our platform, can be of some guidance along your journey.
"Seasons of Survival" (reference):
- Acute survivorship, including the time of diagnosis (shock) and treatment.
- Transitional survivorship, when treatment has ended, but survivors may still feel anxious, depressed, and isolated as they engage in ‘watchful waiting’ to see if cancer will return.
- Extended survivorship, which comes in three forms: cancer-free (treatment-free remission); maintained remission (staying cancer-free due to ongoing therapy); or living with cancer (as a chronic, advanced disease that requires continued treatment).
- Permanent survivorship, which has four subgroups, including survivors who are cancer-free and asymptomatic; are cancer free but with long-term/late problems (such as fatigue or depression); develop second cancers (unrelated to earlier treatment); or have secondary cancers (related to earlier treatment).
CLICK HERE for an action plan for cancer survivorship from the CDC

"You don't know what you don't know". What are some questions I should be asking?

How can I explain my cancer to my children? How can I help them cope?