Treating Head and Neck Cancer at Southwest Florida Proton
Southwest Florida Proton provides advanced proton therapy treatment for head and neck cancers. Our world-class oncology team has expertise in utilizing the precision of proton therapy to deliver maximal radiation directly to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This precision is critical for treating the complex and sensitive head and neck area while reducing the risk to essential structures like the brain, esophagus, eyes, salivary glands, mouth, thyroid, and voice box.
Why Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer?
Proton therapy is a premier treatment option for head and neck cancers because of its ability to precisely target tumors with minimal damage to normal tissues, organs, and system functions involved in key functions such as digestion, hearing, speech, and vision. By reducing the risk of possible side effects and effectively targeting tumors with high-dose radiation, proton therapy helps you maintain your quality of life during and after treatment.
Head and Neck Cancers Treated
There is a wide range of cancers associated with the head and neck, including brain and skin cancers. Proton therapy is a highly effective treatment option for cancers including but not limited to:
- Brain Tumors and Skull-Based Cancers: Chordoma, Chondrosarcoma, Giant Cell Tumor, Olfactory Neuroblastoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Eye Cancer: Lacrimal Gland Cancers, Tumors of the Eye, Eyelid, or Orbit
- Nasal and Sinus Cancers: Nasal Cavity Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Paranasal Sinus Cancer
- Oral and Mouth Cancers: Oral Cavity Cancer (lip, gums, floor of mouth or buccal mucosa), Salivary Gland Cancers, Oral Tongue Cancer
- Throat Cancers: Hypopharyngeal Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancers,
- Recurrent Head and Neck Cancers
Proton Therapy for Brain Tumors
Proton therapy is an advanced treatment option for brain cancer that delivers target proton radiation directly to brain tumors, minimizing the impact on surrounding brain tissue. By using specialized proton beam therapy for your brain tumor, we can reduce the risk of damaging critical functions that support hearing, memory, movement, and vision.
Proton Therapy for Skin Cancer
It’s not uncommon to see skin cancer on and around the face because these areas are generally more exposed to the sun. Proton therapy is a good choice for skin cancer that is near vital organs, such as cancers that form on the nose, lips, eyelids, ears, scalp, and neck.
The Benefits of Proton Therapy
Proton therapy offers significant advantages for the treatment of head and neck cancers, providing precision and pain-free treatment. By delivering a high dose directly to the target tumors, proton therapy preserves critical functions and structures in the body, reducing the risk of radiation-induced damage. Additionally, it minimizes short-term side effects like sores, dry mouth, and hearing loss compared to traditional radiation while also lessening long-term impacts on memory, eating, speaking, and vision.
Is Southwest Florida Proton Right for Your Head and Neck Cancer?
At Southwest Florida Proton, we work closely with you and your cancer care team to determine if proton therapy is the best treatment option for your head and neck cancer. During your consultation, we will thoroughly review your diagnosis and treatment history and answer your questions to create a personalized care plan that maximizes the effectiveness of your treatment with minimal side effects.