The Treatment of Neck Cancer Depends on the Stage of the Cancer

Abstract

The average age of people who have neck cancer is 59 years. In general, cancer of the salivary glands or thyroid affects people under the age of 59, and cancer of the mouth, throat and larynx affects those over the age of 59. Usually, head and neck cancer first spreads to nearby lymph nodes. These forms of cancer do not usually spread to other parts of the body for 6 months to 3 years. Metastases usually arise from large or persistent tumors and are more likely to develop in people who have a weakened immune system. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Stage I cancer, regardless of location, responds similarly to surgical treatment and radiation. Usually, radiation targets not only the cancer but also the lymph nodes on the circumference of the neck because more than 20% of such cancers spread to the lymph nodes.