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Article Category: Highlights

Keep Your Head & Neck in Check

Published on March 26, 2024

Last updated 09:51 AM April 01, 2025

Provider looking at patient's neck

Take charge of your head and neck health. Talk to your care team about how you can stay ahead of serious concerns before they start.  

Most head and neck cancers—including oral, throat and thyroid cancers—begin in the mouth or throat. 

Here are a few steps you can take to keep your head and neck in top shape, so you can live your healthiest life.  

Cut tobacco & alcohol

Tobacco use, including smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco such as chewing tobacco or snuff, is a major risk factor for head and neck cancers. The use of alcohol and tobacco together can be especially risky.  

Inhaling anything other than a prescribed medicine, including the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana, could increase the risk as well, according to Dr. Timothy Ryan, a Wellstar ear, nose & throat physician. 

“Abstinence from smoking any substance is always the best answer when it comes to your head and neck health,” Dr. Ryan said. 

Protect yourself from the sun 

Ultraviolet light, such as exposure to the sun or artificial UV rays like tanning beds, is a major cause of cancer on the lips and scalp. Protect your lips by using a lip balm with sunscreen, and make sure to wear sunscreen on your face and neck when you go outside, even in colder weather. Protect your head from sun exposure with a hat.

Be mindful of HPV

According to Dr. Ryan, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the main risk factors for head and neck cancers. 

“There are two main risk factors for head and neck cancers that we see most commonly. One is from smoking,” he said. “That can be made worse from alcohol use. The other is actually a virus, and it’s a really well-known virus, human papillomavirus.” 

About 70% of cancers in the oropharynx (which includes the tonsils, soft palate and base of the tongue) are connected to HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Talk to your provider about HPV prevention and exposure, and seek treatment if you are showing signs of HPV. Although many people with HPV don’t have symptoms, some develop warts in the genital area.

Gardasil-9, the vaccination against HPV, protects patients against the types of HPV that cause most HPV cancers. Patients from age 11 to 46 should consider vaccination after speaking with their clinician.

Know the risk factors

Some jobs can also be risk factors. The construction, textile, ceramic, logging and food processing industries can cause exposure to substances like wood dust, formaldehyde, asbestos, nickel and other chemicals. These increase the risk of cancer in the nasopharynx, or the top part of the throat. 

And if you have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis and some other illnesses, you could be at higher risk. Previous radiation treatments to the head and neck can also increase your risk.

“Talk to your healthcare provider about your health history so they can help you evaluate your risk,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a Wellstar head and neck cancers surgeon. “They can help you take action and prevent cancer.”

Watch for symptoms

Symptoms of head and neck cancers will vary based on which part of the head and neck they appear. Signs include:

  • Hoarseness that persists or worsens over several weeks
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Sore throat that does not go away
  • A lump that does not go away
  • Painless lump in the neck
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Bleeding or pain in the mouth
  • Blocked sinuses that do not clear up with antibiotic treatment
  • Frequent headaches of unknown origin
  • Tooth pain or denture problems
  • Ear pain
  • Swelling near the jawbone or under the chin
  • Numbness or paralysis of the face muscles
  • Difficulty hearing or pain or ringing in the ears
  • Trouble breathing or sleeping

While it’s important that everyone look for symptoms of head and neck cancers, these conditions are more likely to affect men. Men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with oral and throat cancer compared to women, according to the American Cancer Society.

If you are showing any symptoms of head and neck cancers, contact your healthcare team.

“Annual dental and oral examination by your dentist is the best way to screen for head and neck cancers,” Dr. Sokoya said.

Learn more about how Wellstar cares for head and neck cancers.

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Fiyin Sokoya Timothy Patrick Ryan Cancer Care
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Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men

Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.

About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.

“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.

Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.

“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

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4 Common Questions About Gynecologic Cancer—Answered

The gynecologic oncologists at Wellstar care for women at all stages of life, treating a variety of conditions with compassion and offering advanced care options. Our team are experts in treating cancers such as uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Here, we answer common questions about gynecologic cancer care with the help of Dr. Rosa Miller Polan, a gynecologic oncologist at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center. 

What is a gynecologic oncologist?

Gynecologic oncologists are specialists trained in the multidisciplinary management of patients with cancers of the female reproductive tract. Trained originally in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncologists treat patients with complex benign gynecologic issues, as well as gynecologic cancer patients who may need surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of different treatments. 

When should you seek care?

Gynecologic cancers have different warning signs. When a person experiences concerning symptoms, a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, should be performed. Cervical and vaginal cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and pain. The most common warning sign for uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding or spotting is abnormal and should prompt an evaluation. 

Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer symptoms include bloating, constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Vulvar cancer symptoms include itching, burning, discoloration, and new bumps or lumps on the skin outside of the vagina. 

Who is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer?

Women who smoke cigarettes are at elevated risk for cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer development. People who are immunosuppressed and those who have tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at increased risk. Genetics can contribute to the development of uterine, ovarian or fallopian tube cancers and these types of cancers can run in families. Obesity and use of hormone replacement therapy can put women at risk for the development of uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. A history of infertility, endometriosis and pelvic radiation are also risk factors for developing gynecologic cancer. 

What services are available at Wellstar?

At Wellstar, gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care for patients with gynecologic cancers, including administering chemotherapy and performing surgeries when needed. As high-volume pelvic surgeons, gynecologic oncologists also care for patients who need elective and emergent complex benign gynecologic surgery.

For many patients, robotic-assisted surgery offers a minimally invasive approach with less associated blood loss, shorter hospital stays and fewer post-operative complications. Gynecologic oncologists are some of the top users of the innovative DaVinci 5 robotic surgery platform. Performing complex gynecologic cancer surgeries, minimally invasive or otherwise, requires the type of highly specialized and multidisciplinary teams that work at Wellstar—and an infrastructure of resources to ensure patients have access to best-in-class care in their own backyard.

Learn more about gynecologic oncology at Wellstar at wellstar.org/gyncancer. 

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Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar, standing with one of the two TrueBeam linear accelerators in use for cancer care at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center

Newsroom

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center Expands Treatment Services

New radiation technology and refreshed waiting and treatment areas are expanding world-class cancer treatment at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center.

Cancer care in forward motion

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently installed its second TrueBeam linear accelerator, which treats various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal tumors. With the linear accelerator, clinicians can adjust the size and shape of beams to a tumor’s shape and spare healthy tissue.

With the second linear accelerator, Wellstar Cobb can offer patients more flexible and convenient scheduling. “An additional linear accelerator can lead to timely treatment starts and shorter wait times,” said Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar. “It expands our ability to treat more patients with cutting-edge care, continuing our commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.”

In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, TrueBeam delivers precise, high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) targeting tumors in the body. It also provides stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain or spine cancer treatment. Patients will typically receive one to five treatments.

Patient-centered care at Wellstar Cobb

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently renovated its treatment areas, front desk and waiting room, making it more welcoming and comforting for patients and their families. Within the treatment areas, the suite where patients receive high-dose radiation brachytherapy, a targeted treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly into tumors or near them, also underwent renovations.

“The beautifully designed space enhances patient comfort, offering a calm, supportive environment,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We’re currently treating breast, cervical, uterine and skin cancers, with plans to expand to other cancer types. It’s advanced, efficient care—delivered close to home and with compassion.”

Early detection and support services

Cancer care begins with prevention and early detection. Wellstar Cobb is home to a lung cancer STAT Clinic, where specialists collaborate to diagnose and begin treatment within as little as 14 days. According to research by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can spend up to eight weeks on average visiting different specialists before starting a treatment plan. Earlier treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes.

Patients at Wellstar Cobb receive support at every stage of their treatment. These services include:

  • Emotional support from a social worker
  • Lymphedema therapy for patients with excess fluid and swelling
  • Meal planning with a dietitian
  • Monthly support group
  • Pain management
  • Physical therapy
  • Transportation assistance

“We have a superb team and state-of-the-art treatment here at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center. And we’re backed by the resources of a nationally recognized health system,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We are thrilled that our technology enhancements allow us to serve more people with exceptional cancer treatment.”

Learn more about cancer care in Cobb.

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