Cancers of the head and neck affect over 40,000 Americans each year. This includes cancers of the mouth, throat, nasal passages, sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid. While there is a direct link between tobacco exposure and many types of head and neck cancer, new evidence suggests some may be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Historically, head and neck cancer was primarily treated by surgical resection. However, as you might imagine, significant disfigurement and morbidity results from removing part of someone’s mouth or throat. Vital functions are performed by the organs of the mouth and throat, including speech and swallowing.
Radiation has also been used in the past to treat head and neck cancer with the purpose of preserving organ function. However, this came with its own possible side effects including permanent dry mouth, early tooth decay, altered taste, weight loss, and osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. Many of these side effects can now be limited with modern radiation treatment techniques.
With the advent of CT scanning and improvements in computer technology, a new era in radiation treatment planning has emerged. We are now better able to customize our treatment plans to fit the individual patient anatomy.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT is a form of radiation treatment recommended for head and neck cancer in which the dose of radiation conforms specifically to the shape of the tumor. This significantly limits the amount of radiation received by adjacent critical organs.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy or IGRT is when daily X-rays or CT scans are performed and overlaid with the patient’s anatomy. Millimeter adjustments are made with automatic couch position shifts to maximize treatment accuracy, providing the potential for fewer side effects.
We are proud to offer both IMRT and IGRT to all of our head and neck cancer patients at our AOS – East Valley, Scottsdale, Deer Valley and Arrowhead Centers. I have seen a significant improvement in side effects using this technology, and am glad to be a part of AOS, a practice with a long history of providing the highest quality of care with the latest technology. - Davis Romney, MD