Head and Neck Cancer

Approximately 4% of cancers diagnosed in the United States are head and neck cancers (including oral cancer). Cancer can start in any place in the body and is named for the place in the body that it starts. When cancer spreads from a primary site to another site in the body that is known as metastasis. Cancer that starts in the head and neck typically begins in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth, the nose, and the throat).

Oral Cancer Screenings
April 17, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.

During Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center - North will provide a free oral cancer screening to participants. Early diagnosis can give you the best chance of successful treatment, especially for patients at higher risk of developing oral cancer. Risk factors include:

  • Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Potential exposure to Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Those age 55 and older, especially males

Find a Time and Schedule


To make an appointment with a head and neck cancer provider, call Community's oncology scheduling specialists at 317-621-2627 or request an appointment online. Note: General screenings may not be scheduled using this phone line or form.

Request Appointment Online

Risk Factors and Prevention

This year, an estimated 66,920 people will develop head and neck cancer. While younger people can develop the disease, most people are over age 50 when they are diagnosed. Sadly, an estimated 15,400 deaths will occur from head and neck cancer will occur this year in the United States.

Head and neck cancer is preventable. The main risk factors for head and neck cancer include:

  • Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Potential exposure to HPV
  • Male gender
  • Patients age 55 and older

It is important to not use tobacco products (smoking or smokeless) and abstain from alcohol to help prevent head and neck cancer. Over a lifetime, 75-80% of adults will likely be exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV) and it is important to know this exposure to HPV can also put a person at risk for developing head and neck cancer. There is now a vaccine available for HPV, which is recommended for youth and young adults ages 9-26. This vaccine could prevent further HPV-related head and neck cancers for future generations so it is important to talk your child’s doctor about this immunization.

Quit Smoking Resources

For help with quitting smoking, call 800-QUIT-NOW or visit https://quitnowindiana.com.

Common Head and Neck Cancers

Common cancers of the head and neck include:

  • Oral cavity cancer - starts in the mouth
  • Oropharyngeal cancer – starts in back of the mouth or the throat
  • Nasal cavity cancer – starts in the opening behind the nose, a space that runs along the top of the roof of the mouth and then turns downward to join the back of the mouth and the throat
  • Paranasal sinus cancer – starts in the openings around or near the nose called sinuses
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer – starts in the upper part of the throat behind the nose
  • Laryngeal cancer – starts in the voice box
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer – starts in the lower part of the throat beside and behind the voice box

Diagnosis and Treatment

Using a multidisciplinary team-based approach, patients with head and neck cancer can receive integrated services including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, nursing, speech and language pathology, dietary, and social work for comprehensive evaluation and treatment of their cancer. Patients and their families can expect to receive a patient-centered comprehensive evaluation by all appropriate members of the treatment team.

Once diagnosis is determined, treatment plans for head and neck cancer may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy or immunotherapy depending on the type of cancer, tumor size and stage, tumor location, and the patient’s overall health. Your multidisciplinary team will work with you and your family to ensure you are receiving the best treatment plan possible.

Head and Neck Cancers Treated at Community
  • Throat cancer
  • Larynx cancer
  • Oral cavity cancer
  • Tongue cancer
  • Tonsil cancer
  • Cancer of the mandible and maxilla (jaw cancer)
  • HPV-related head and neck cancer
  • Salivary gland tumors
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Parathyroid cancer
  • Melanomas of the head and neck
  • Scalp cancer
  • Skin cancer of the head, neck and face
Surgical Treatment Approaches

Surgical treatment approaches may include:

  • Comprehensive surgical management of head and neck tumors and malignancies
  • Total or partial laryngectomy
  • Total or partial glossectomy
  • Oral cavity cancer resection
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Parotidectomy
  • Reconstructive surgery including microvascular techniques and free tissue transfer
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Our Team

John Goldenberg, MD

John Goldenberg, MD - Head and neck cancer specialistDr. John Goldenberg is a head and neck oncology and microvascular surgeon who serves as the Medical Director of Head and Neck Cancer Care for Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center. An Indianapolis native, Dr. Goldenberg attended North Central High School, Indiana University and received his medical degree from IU School of Medicine. During his residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago, he served as chief resident of the Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery department. He then completed a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Since 1998, Dr. Goldenberg has practiced in the Indianapolis community as an otolaryngologist with a focus on head and neck oncology surgery.

Dr. Goldenberg and his wife reside in Carmel and have three sons. He enjoys golf and skiing in his free time.