When head and neck cancers spread beyond the head and neck area to other organs, disease is too advanced for cure. Return to the top of this page 6. Surgery for head and neck cancer and subsequent scarring can result in problems with eating and speaking. The more extensive the surgery, the more difficult and prolonged the postoperative recovery. Surgery to the neck for lymph node involvement can result in scarring and limitation of movement of the neck.
Similar problems can occur with head and neck radiation.
During radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, the tissues exposed to radiation become irritated and sore. Sense of taste may be diminished and appetite poor, resulting in weight loss. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a frequent side effect when radiation therapy fields include the salivary glands. The dryness may be permanent, causing problems with eating and resulting in dental decay. The specific radiation side effects for any given individual depend upon the area of treatment and the dose of radiation necessary.