Head & Neck Cancer in Gurnee & Libertyville
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose/sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid. Many are highly treatable—especially when found early. At Lake County ENT, we focus on early detection, clear diagnosis, and coordinated care so you can move forward with confidence.
What it is
Cancers arising in the mouth, throat, larynx, nose/sinuses, salivary glands, or thyroid. Early symptoms are common—early care matters.
Who it affects
Anyone can be affected. Risk increases with tobacco, alcohol, heavy sun exposure (skin), and certain viruses (like HPV).
How we help
Focused exams, in-office scopes, imaging/biopsy when needed, and team-based treatment with trusted cancer specialists.
Noticing a non-healing mouth sore, new hoarseness, or a neck lump? Let us check it early.
Common Warning Signs
- Lump or swelling in the neck lasting > 2 weeks
- Hoarseness or voice change > 2 weeks
- Mouth sore, red/white patch, or growth that doesn’t heal
- Persistent throat pain, ear pain, or trouble swallowing
- Coughing or spitting up blood
- Skin lesions on face/ears/lips that change, bleed, or don’t heal
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use (smoked or smokeless) and heavy alcohol use
- HPV infection (certain throat cancers)
- Long-term sun exposure (skin cancers of face/ears/lips)
- Personal or family history of head & neck cancer
- Prior radiation exposure to the head and neck
When to call us: Any warning sign above lasting more than two weeks, or a new neck mass at any time.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, rapid neck swelling, or bleeding you cannot control.
How We Evaluate & Diagnose
Our Evaluation
We start with a careful head & neck exam and review of symptoms and risk factors. If needed, we use a comfortable in-office scope to see the throat and voice box clearly.
- Head, neck, mouth, and skin exam
- Flexible laryngoscopy (in-office scope)
- Neck and oral cavity lymph node check
Tests We May Use
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET as appropriate
- Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a lump, or tissue biopsy of a suspicious area
- HPV/other labs: When helpful for diagnosis and planning
Early answers reduce anxiety. We’ll guide you through testing step by step.
Treatment Options
Personalized Care
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected nodes when appropriate
- Radiation therapy: Targeted treatment often used alone or after surgery
- Medical therapy: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted agents with oncology partners
- Thyroid cancers: May include thyroidectomy and, when indicated, radioactive iodine
Support & Prevention
- Speech/voice and swallowing therapy when needed
- Smoking and alcohol cessation support
- Skin protection and routine checks for high sun exposure
- HPV vaccination and education for prevention
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Review symptoms, history, and risk factors
- Exam & testing: Targeted exam, scope, and any imaging/biopsy that’s indicated
- Plan together: Clear next steps and referrals to our cancer care partners as needed
Good to Know
- Most symptoms are not cancer, but they should be checked if they persist
- Early diagnosis improves outcomes and may mean less intensive treatment
- We coordinate closely with oncology, radiation, and speech therapy teams
Have symptoms that aren’t improving? Let’s get you answers.
FAQs
Related Topics
Concerned about a symptom? Early evaluation can make all the difference—let’s take a look together.