At Orange County CyberKnife, we apply unparalleled CyberKnife technology to the treatment of a wide range of cancer types, including head and neck cancer, an umbrella term for cancers affecting different parts of the head and neck, including the throat and oral cavity. Patients who visit our Orange County oncology center receive a unique form of radiation therapy that delivers precise results and has a lower impact on the healthy tissues of the body. Find out who is at risk of head and neck cancer, and how we use CyberKnife to treat it.

What is Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers of the head and neck generally begin forming in the squamous cells present in the mucosal linings of the throat, mouth, and voice box. These are the more common squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, while cancers that form in the salivary glands, sinuses, nerves, and muscles of the head and neck are much rarer.

Risk Factors

The two most important risk factors for head and neck cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. 

• Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chewing tobacco (dip) are responsible for 70 to 80% of head and neck cancer cases. Second-hand smoke also increases risk. 
• Heavy and frequent alcohol consumption greatly increases the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, and larynx. 
• Using both is an even greater risk.’

Radiation Therapy and Other Treatments

Head and neck cancer treatment can include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combined approach. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor, and the stage of its development. 

The primary reason why CyberKnife is outstripping other forms of radiation treatment is because of how precise and flexible it is in its delivery of radiation. Unlike other machines, CyberKnife has an articulated robotic arm that allows it to treat tumors from any angle, meaning the patient will always be positioned comfortably, and no target, even among the delicate and complex tissues of the head and neck, is out of reach. Tumor-tracking technology allows CyberKnife to deliver focused radiation without harming surrounding tissue, cutting down on treatment and recovery time.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is ready to move on to the next stage of cancer treatment, and explore the best technology radiation therapy has to offer, contact us at Orange County CyberKnife today. CyberKnife can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, and our specialists will work with you to formulate a unique approach. Our mission is to give every patient a comfortable, quality experience and the best possible outcome.