Head & Neck Cancer

A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Potential Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Head and Neck Cancer Lawyer Mark Kopec

The Kopec Law Firm provides you with this webpage on head and neck cancer. Accordingly, we discuss the symptoms and different types of head and neck cancers. We also describe available treatments. If you have been injured, you may have a medical malpractice claim and need Baltimore head and neck cancer lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Head and Neck Anatomy

The head and neck region is a complex area generally composed of various organs and tissues, including:

Oral Cavity: Mouth, tongue, lips, and also salivary glands.
Pharynx: Throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.
Larynx: Voice box.
Sinuses: Air-filled cavities in the skull.
Nasal Cavity: Nose.

Types of Head and Neck Cancers

Several types of cancer generally can affect the head and neck region, including:

Oral Cavity Cancer: Can develop in the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, or also roof of the mouth.
Pharyngeal Cancer: Can occur in the nasopharynx, oropharynx, or hypopharynx.
Laryngeal Cancer: Can affect the vocal cords or also other parts of the larynx.
Sinonasal Cancer: Can develop in the sinuses or nasal cavity.
Salivary Gland Cancer: Can originate in the salivary glands, such as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary depending on the location and type of cancer. Common symptoms generally include:

Oral Cavity Cancer: Sores that don’t heal, lumps in the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and changes in voice.
Pharyngeal Cancer: Sore throat that doesn’t go away, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and nasal congestion.
Laryngeal Cancer: Hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough.
Sinonasal Cancer: Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, facial pain or pressure, and changes in sense of smell.
Salivary Gland Cancer: A painless lump in the neck or jaw, facial pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:

Medical History and Physical Exam: A thorough review of your symptoms and a physical examination of your head and neck.
Imaging Tests: Such as CT Scans, MRIs, and PET scans to assess the extent of the cancer.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Doctors to See for Diagnosis

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: ENT specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers.
Oral Surgeon: Oral surgeons can diagnose and treat oral cavity cancers.
Radiologist: Radiologists interpret imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.
Pathologist: Pathologists examine tissue samples to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.

Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Treatment options for head and neck cancer depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:

Surgery: To remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue.
Radiation Therapy: To kill cancer cells with high-energy rays.
Chemotherapy: To destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted Therapy: To target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival.
Immunotherapy: To boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Doctors to See for Treatment

Medical Oncologist: Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy and other systemic therapies.
Radiation Oncologist: Radiation oncologists administer radiation therapy.
Surgical Oncologist: Surgical oncologists perform surgery to specifically remove cancerous tumors.

Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer

The prognosis for head and neck cancer varies depending on several factors, including the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and response to treatment. Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

Medical malpractice claims related to head and neck cancer can arise from various errors, including:

Delayed Diagnosis: Failure to diagnose cancer promptly, then leading to delayed treatment and progression of the disease.
Misdiagnosis: Incorrect diagnosis of the type of cancer, leading to inappropriate treatment.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as injury to nerves or blood vessels.
Radiation Therapy Errors: Incorrect dosage or targeting of radiation therapy, leading to damage to healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy Errors: Errors in administering chemotherapy, such as overdose or underdose.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Head and Neck Cancer Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical malpractice related to head and neck cancer, it’s important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can assess your case, determine your legal options, and help you seek compensation for damages.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.

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Mark is a knowledgeable and empathetic lawyer who speaks directly and concisely to evaluate your problem. He doesn't use attorney jargon that confuses people, rather he talks clearly. Although he couldn't help me with my situation, the consultation I had was productive because he answered my questions and gave me some clarity.

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Dear Mark, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your dedication to my case. As you know, it has been a long and upsetting process for me, which would have been a great deal longer had it not been for the hours you put in helping me with this emotional roller coaster. Thank you again.

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Dear Mark, thank you so much for your help and kindness. You provided the guidance and assistance we needed to obtain some understanding in loss of our child. We will never forget the professional and personal service provided. If anyone is in need of legal representation, I will certainly send them your way. God bless.

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I wanted to say thank you for spending time with me regarding my questions about legal issues. Mere words cannot really express my gratitude. You seem to truly care about people.

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Dear Mr. Mark, I’m truly grateful to have had you work on my son’s case. You were up front at all times and were on key every step of the way. I will always recommend your firm. Thank you so much for helping my son. P.S. Every time my son sees you on TV, he says “Mom, that’s my lawyer, Mr. Mark.” 🙂 Thank you again. You did an excellent job on the...

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