Introduction

Cancers of the head and neck area can develop in the:

  • Throat
  • Salivary glands
  • Tongue
  • Pharynx
  • Nasal cavities

A significant percentage of these tumors can be cured, especially when the condition is diagnosed early.

Although all population groups can be susceptible to this group of diseases, people who smoke or who combine smoking with alcohol or drugs are at an increased risk of developing head and neck cancer.


Diagnosis

Symptoms of cancer (which could also indicate other diseases) include:

  • Hoarseness
  • Changes in voice
  • Sore throat
  • Chronic sore mouth or tongue
  • Swallowing pain or disorder
  • Earaches

A patient’s first routine step in diagnosing suspected cancerous growths in the head and neck area is to undergo a physical exam by an ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) doctor.

Following the physical exam, the patient undergoes a diagnostic imaging scan such as:

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • PET-CT scan

Doctors make the final diagnosis by performing a tissue biopsy and evaluating the cells under a microscope.

Head and neck cancer treatment in Israel

Assuta offers patients numerous therapeutic alternatives, including:

  • Surgery
  • A combination of radiotherapy and surgery
  • Radiotherapy alone
  • Treatments in combination with chemotherapy

The patient’s specialists, such as the ENT surgeon who specializes in head and neck tumors and the radiation oncologist review each of the patient's options and recommend the best treatment.

It is important to note that patients who continue to smoke or drink during treatment often experience severe side effects. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid these habits, especially during treatment.


Setting patients’ minds at ease during treatment

Lev Naot unique service approach lies in its welcoming, supportive, and comfortable environment, minimizing the starkness and stress of a hospital setting.

The Oncology Center team works tirelessly to maintain timely schedules for patients and minimize wait times.

Patients can rest assured that if they experience complications, they can be treated in the Lev Naot Hospital’s extensive facilities.

Premier treatment technology

Assuta features cutting-edge equipment, applying sophisticated technologies such as real-time computerized imaging during radiotherapy treatment.

Radioiodine treatment for thyroid cancer

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, stores iodine from the bloodstream and produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, tissue growth, and other processes. Thyroid cancer is an uncontrolled reproduction of thyroid cells.

Following thyroid resection surgery, patients receive supplementary radioactive iodine treatment. The treatment destroys the remaining cancer cells in thyroid cancer patients.

Patients take radioactive iodine treatments orally, in capsule form.