Head and Neck Cancers

Sentara Cancer Network offers a regional referral center for the treatment of head and neck cancer, as well as the only dedicated head and neck oncology team in the Hampton Roads region. The team features: two fellowship-trained specialists, a dedicated microvascular reconstruction specialist, a dedicated pathologist and a dedicated oncology research nurse.

Here are some other unique features of the head and neck cancer program offered through Sentara Cancer Network:

Original institutional research studies in head and neck cancer

Many multi-institutional clinical trials ongoing in head and neck cancer

Weekly multidisciplinary head and neck tumor conferences with 100 percent cancer patient presentation/discussion/treatment planning

Hosts an annual head and neck continuing medical education symposium for community physicians

Specializes in surgical management of head and neck cancers offering organ preservation.

Hypopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the hypopharynx.

The hypopharynx is the bottom part of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose, goes down the neck, and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach). Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus.

Most hypopharyngeal cancers form in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the hypopharynx. The hypopharynx has three different areas. Cancer may be found in one or more of these areas.

Use of tobacco products and heavy drinking can affect the risk of developing hypopharyngeal cancer.

Risk Factors
Test and Procedures
Recovery and Treatment

For more information on head and neck cancer and its treatment, visit The National Cancer Institute Web site.

Head and Neck Cancers

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