{"id":5288,"date":"2024-12-11T13:26:17","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T12:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/patologie\/head-and-neck-cancers\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T14:11:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T13:11:39","slug":"head-and-neck-cancers","status":"publish","type":"pathology","link":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/head-and-neck-cancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Head and neck cancers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"pathology\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Pathology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tumors of the head and neck, also called cervicofacial or upper aerodigestive tract cancers, include several neoplasms that develop in areas such as<strong> the mouth, tongue, gums, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands <\/strong>and may involve the development of metastases to the lymph nodes in the neck. The most frequently affected site is the larynx, followed by the oral cavity and pharynx<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These tumors affect a part of our body that is fundamental in everyday life and can result in a major alteration on function and aesthetics.Therefore, the treatment path requires a multidisciplinary approach that also integrates <strong>rehabilitation and psychological support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<strong>course of the disease <\/strong>depends greatly on the site of the tumor, its stage at the time of diagnosis, and the patient&#8217;s general condition. In many cases, especially when detected early and treated in specialized centers, the chances of cure and control of these tumors are comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of these neoplasms are<strong> spinocellular carcinomas,<\/strong> which originate from squamous cells lining mucosal surfaces;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Less common,<\/strong> but still relevant, are melanomas, lymphomas, sarcomas, and salivary gland tumors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The numbers in Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.registri-tumori.it\/cms\/pubblicazioni\/i-numeri-del-cancro-italia-2023\">AIRTUM registry <\/a><\/strong>(Italian Association of Cancer Registries), head and neck cancers in Italy in 2022 registered about 9,750 new diagnoses (7,050 men and 2,700 women).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"symptoms\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Initial symptoms are often mild and nonspecific, making early diagnosis difficult. Among the most common signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pain in the tongue and gums;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent sore throat;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sense of constriction in the throat or difficulty swallowing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dysphonia, as a persistent voice alteration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty breathing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nasal obstruction;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relapsing epistaxis;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ear pain (otalgia);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occurrence of swelling in the face or neck.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"risk-factors\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Risk factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Known risk factors are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>tobacco and alcohol<\/strong>, which are the main risk factors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Injuries <\/strong>and continuous <strong>small microtrauma<\/strong> from altered prostheses and <strong>poorly cared for teeth <\/strong>can lead to the development of tumors in the tongue;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cancers of the nasopharyngeal tract are often associated with infection caused by the <strong>Epstein-Barr virus (EBV);<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cancers of the <strong>oropharynx<\/strong> may be related to <strong>human papilloma virus (HPV)<\/strong> infection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"diagnosis-and-examination\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Diagnosis and examination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>proper diagnosis<\/strong> of the disease and its extent, a<strong> thorough<\/strong> patient<strong> history<\/strong>, objective examination supplemented by instrumental investigations, and radiological imaging examinations are of paramount importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c5308ab3d04\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Instrumental examinations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Direct fiberoptic laryngoscopy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: consists of direct visualization of the nasal passages, pharynx and larynx. It is performed by passing a  <\/span><b>fibroscope<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">  (a small-diameter flexible tube consisting of an optic and a camera) through the nose to visualize the pharynx and larynx at its different levels. It is an examination  <\/span><b>well tolerated by the patient<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">; it allows excellent visualization of the upper airway and is aimed at identifying direct or indirect signs of disease. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The instrumental equipment of the Candiolo Institute&#8217;s outpatient clinics also allows the performance of fibroscopy with <\/span><b>NBI light,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> which represents a diagnostic innovation today, as it visualizes mucosal areas suspicious for precancerosis ,through visual analysis of aberrant submucosal vasculature. <\/span> <\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Diagnostic imaging examinations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Ultrasound of the neck<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a first-level, noninvasive examination. It allows the  <\/span><b>evaluation of neck lymph nodes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Lymph nodes can be sites of metastasis of head and neck cancer. Ultrasound can be <strong>c<\/strong><\/span><b>ompleted with a needle biopsy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">  Of a lymph node in the neck if suspicious. Using a special needle, cells from the lymph node are to be harvested and sent to the Anatomopathologist for analysis (cytological examination).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Chest X-ray<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a first-level, noninvasive examination that allows a <\/span><b>photograph of the chest<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">  Of the patient, with special attention to the lungs. This examination is very important both in the preoperative, in case the patient should undergo surgery, but also to <strong>assess the possible presence of lung metastases<\/strong> of the head-neck tumor, or the simultaneous presence of a lung tumor. In fact, smoking is the most important cause of lung cancer as well.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>CT, MRI, PET<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <strong>T<\/strong><\/span><b>computed tomography (CT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the <\/span><b>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and the <\/span><b>Positron Emission Tomography (PET)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">  are second-level examinations that are essential in the evaluation of head and neck cancer. They provide  <\/span>Information about the<b> location <\/b>and depth<b>extent of <\/b>the tumor<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">  and identify the presence of metastasis to lymph nodes in the neck or other locations in the body. They are often essential for planning surgery or for indication for radiation or chemotherapy treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/05_Slide.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4440\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"therapies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Therapies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After the diagnosis is confirmed, specialists in the multidisciplinary team evaluate a number of factors to plan an <strong>individualized course of treatment<\/strong> for the patient. In addition to the type of tumor, its size, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, the patient&#8217;s age, general health status, and medical history are also considered. The <strong>treatment plan <\/strong>is then discussed with the patient, proposing alternative choices in case of equivalent effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the stage of the tumor, <strong>different treatment strategies <\/strong>are indicated including surgery, chemotherapy, <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiotherapy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5104\">radiation therapy<\/a>, and molecular targeted therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c5308ab3da5\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Surgery<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"629\">In head and neck cancers, the <strong>treatment of first choice<\/strong> is often surgery, which today can also provide excellent results with minimally invasive approaches and targeted excisions. These surgeries, performed without skin incisions, allow for a short hospitalization, reduced convalescence, and rapid resumption of normal activities. In particular,<strong> transoral CO\u2082 laser surgery<\/strong> is an effective option for treating early-stage cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and especially the larynx.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"807\"><strong>In more advanced cases<\/strong>, however, surgery often involves<strong>removal of the tumor combined with removal of neck lymph nodes<\/strong> potentially involved in the disease.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"1271\">The Candiolo Institute is equipped with<strong> state-of-the-art technologies<\/strong> that allow even extensive surgeries to be performed while preserving the functionality of surrounding organs and nerve structures. One example is the routine use of intraoperative neuromonitoring in major salivary gland and thyroid surgery, with the goal of minimizing the risk of iatrogenic nerve damage and ensuring that the patient receives the highest level of treatment.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1957\">In surgeries for advanced tumors, in addition to complete removal of the disease, it is essential to <strong>safeguard the cosmetic and functional appearance<\/strong> of the affected district. This is why we resort to <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/aree-mediche\/chirurgia-plastica-ricostruttiva\/\"><strong>reconstructive surgery<\/strong><\/a>, which improves the chances of recovery of swallowing and breathing. At the Candiolo Institute, this technique makes it possible to restore organ function by transplanting tissue taken from other parts of the body. Through complex but highly specialized surgeries, portions of the tongue, oropharynx, or palate can be reconstructed, achieving outstanding functional and aesthetic results and preserving a good quality of life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"2338\"><strong>After surgery<\/strong>, definitive<strong>anatomopathologic analysis<\/strong>is performed, assessing the tumor for size, degree of aggressiveness, possible extension to nearby structures and lymph nodes, with special attention to resection margins. Based on these data, complementary treatment, such as radiotherapy combined or not with chemotherapy, may be indicated.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"88\" data-end=\"470\"><strong data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"108\">Chemotherapy<\/strong> is a drug treatment that aims to eliminate cancer cells by exploiting their faster rate of reproduction than healthy cells. Because it acts by interfering with cell replication mechanisms, it can also affect healthy cells, causing <strong>side effects<\/strong> that, in most cases, disappear once the treatment is over.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"634\">Before starting, the oncologist provides all the information about the drugs to be used and useful behaviors to alleviate any side effects.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"636\" data-end=\"1054\">In head and neck cancer&#8211;particularly in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal forms related to viral infection, and in advanced laryngeal cancers&#8211;the combination of <strong data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"838\">radiotherapy and chemotherapy<\/strong> can lead to cure in a high percentage of cases. This strategy preserves pharyngeal and laryngeal function even in locally extensive tumors in which surgery is not indicated.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1103\">Chemotherapy can also be used:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1338\">\n<li data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1203\">\n<p data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1203\"><strong>As the exclusive treatment<\/strong> in advanced or metastatic head and neck cancers;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1204\" data-end=\"1338\">\n<p data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1338\"><strong>in combination with radiation therapy after surgery<\/strong> if histologic examination shows particularly aggressive forms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1340\" data-end=\"1530\">Administration is usually <strong>intravenous,<\/strong> on an outpatient basis. The duration of each administration varies from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the drugs used.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1780\">The treatment is carried out <strong data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1575\">in cycles<\/strong>: each cycle lasts a few days and is followed by a rest period of several weeks. The total number of cycles depends on the type of tumor and the patient&#8217;s individual response to therapy.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Biological therapies  <\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"371\"><strong data-start=\"100\" data-end=\"122\">Biologic therap<\/strong>ies, also known<em data-start=\"172\" data-end=\"188\">as<\/em> <strong data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"170\">molecular<\/strong> targeted therapies<em data-start=\"172\" data-end=\"188\">(target therapies<\/em>), are targeted treatments that selectively act on specific molecular targets-such as receptors, growth factors or enzymes-that are found primarily in cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"453\">These targets are involved in fundamental disease processes, such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"649\">\n<li data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"523\">\n<p data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"523\">The uncontrolled growth and spread of cancer cells;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"568\">\n<p data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"568\">resistance to traditional therapies;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"649\">\n<p data-start=\"571\" data-end=\"649\">The formation of new blood vessels that nourish the tumor<em data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"645\">(angiogenesis<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"967\">One of the most important targets is <strong data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"693\">EGFR<\/strong><em data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"729\">(Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor<\/em>), a receptor on the surface of cancer cells that binds to epidermal growth factor. Activation of EGFR stimulates the <strong data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"891\">RAS gene<\/strong>, which is responsible for numerous proliferation and metastatic processes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"1197\">Targeted drugs, such as <strong data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1061\">Cetuximab<\/strong>, a laboratory-produced monoclonal antibody that mimics the action of the immune system and binds to EGFR, inhibiting its activity, are used to block this growth pathway.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Immunotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Immunotherapy includes drugs that are not directed against tumor cells but work <strong>by activating<\/strong> <strong>the immune system response<\/strong> blocked by the tumor.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For these cancers, researchers are studying drugs that can take the brakes off the immune system, thus making it effective again in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p>These are <strong>still experimental therapies<\/strong>, applied for now in certain types of metastatic cancer, but they seem to have a promising future.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"461\"><strong data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"146\">Radiation therapy<\/strong> uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.<br data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"222\">It is an <strong>outpatient treatment<\/strong>, which does not require hospitalization, administered at the Division of Radiotherapy in consecutive daily sessions from Monday to Friday, organized in cycles varying in duration from one to several weeks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"1042\">Because tumors in the head and neck region develop near particularly delicate organs-such as the eyeball, nervous system, or trachea-it is essential to have state-of-the-art equipment that allows for <strong data-start=\"702\" data-end=\"739\">intensity-modulated radiation therapy.<\/strong> This technique allows the photon beam to be focused on the tumor target, sparing nearby healthy structures as much as possible and thus reducing side effects. One example is <strong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"956\">Tomotherapy<\/strong>, which combines pinpoint precision with treatment options on complex areas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1293\">Thanks to modern techniques, serious complications of radiation therapy are now reduced to 1-2%. Frequent late side effects include some <strong data-start=\"1215\" data-end=\"1241\">dryness<\/strong> of irradiated <strong data-start=\"1215\" data-end=\"1241\">mucous membranes<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1290\">reduced sense of taste<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1360\">In head and neck cancer, radiation therapy can be:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1966\">\n<li data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1513\">\n<p data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1513\">associated with chemotherapy as <strong data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1424\">first-choice therapy<\/strong>, particularly in virus-related forms and in some advanced laryngeal cancers;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1674\">\n<p data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1674\">indicated <strong data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1546\">after surgery<\/strong> (adjuvant therapy) when histologic examination shows particularly aggressive forms, to reduce the risk of recurrence;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1675\" data-end=\"1829\">\n<p data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1829\">used <strong data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1746\">as an alternative to minimally invasive transoral surgery<\/strong> in early-stage cancers of the larynx, soft palate, and oropharynx;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1830\" data-end=\"1966\">\n<p data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1966\">used for <strong data-start=\"1850\" data-end=\"1864\">palliative<\/strong> purposes, to reduce pain or relieve symptoms due to infiltration of head and neck organs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"ongoing-support\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Ongoing support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At our institute, we ensure <strong>constant support before, during and after treatment <\/strong>to accompany each patient throughout the entire course of treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c5308ab3e26\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Psychological support  <\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The impact of cancer in a person&#8217;s life also affects the<\/span><b> psychological sphere:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> falling ill with cancer is in fact always a <\/span><b>traumatic event<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that affects all dimensions of the person and can generate anxiety, fear, anger, depression.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the Candiolo Institute, alongside cutting-edge therapies, the treatment and care pathway always includes a<\/span><b> qualified psycho-oncological support <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that helps the patient cope positively not only with treatment but also with the delicate phase of physical and psychological recovery.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><b>It is also possible to participate in support groups <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">psychological to compare with other people who have gone through or are going through the same experience.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Direct line to specialists<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To ensure <\/span><b>timely and direct support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and receive timely answers to concerns and questions, a dedicated support service is in place at the Candiolo Institute for all patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can <\/span><b>contact the secretariat of the oncology day hospital<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at 011.993.3775, reporting the need for urgent consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The patient will be <\/span><b>quickly put in touch with his or her medical specialist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, to receive clear answers and immediate support.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Continuing and palliative care<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cancer patient is a person with <\/span><b>complex needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that requires <\/span><b>multidisciplinary support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> not only for the cancer disease, but also for all related issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the Candiolo Institute, patients who need or require it have access to <\/span><b>specialists in different areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to receive nutritional support, physical therapy, pain therapy and management of other associated conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Social work<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Social Service Department of the Candiolo Institute conducts <\/span><b>information and orientation interviews to patients and their families<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on how to access services in the area and how to obtain welfare and social security benefits provided by law (disability, benefits for aids and prostheses, work leave, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The service operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (phone: 011 9933059).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Follow up<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"263\">With <strong data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"144\">the conclusion of the course of treatment<\/strong>, the <strong data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"179\">follow-up<\/strong> period begins, during which, through medical examinations and a series of tests, we monitor:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"391\">\n<li data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"317\">\n<p data-start=\"266\" data-end=\"317\">The side effects of the therapies carried out;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"350\">\n<p data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"350\">The effectiveness of treatments;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"351\" data-end=\"391\">\n<p data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"391\">The functional recovery of the patient.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"692\">Follow-up examinations are especially crucial to <strong data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"500\">intercept any recurrence early<\/strong>, so that prompt action can be taken with the most appropriate therapy. For the patient, they also represent an important opportunity for discussion and dialogue with their medical specialist.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"694\" data-end=\"894\">It is the <strong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"728\">same specialist physician<\/strong> who schedules follow-up visits, during which the patient&#8217;s general health condition is assessed and the required test reports are analyzed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"1215\">The checks follow <strong data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"942\">scheduled intervals<\/strong> for the duration of <strong>five years<\/strong>. They have a shorter cadence at first, every three months, and then gradually thin out over time to twice a year. The frequency and type of examinations provided depend on the <strong data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1185\">stage of the tumor<\/strong> and the treatments performed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1285\">In head and neck cancer, follow-up usually involves:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1618\">\n<li data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1395\">\n<p data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1395\"><strong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1328\">Medical examination with fibrolaryngoscopy<\/strong>: every 3 months in the first 2 years, then every 6 months in the 4th and 5th years;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1396\" data-end=\"1618\">\n<p data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1618\"><strong data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1419\">Instrumental examinations<\/strong>: CT scan of the neck and chest, MRI of the facial massif and neck, or CT\/PET scan at 3-6 months after the end of treatment, then every 6 months thereafter for the first 2 years and every 6-12 months until the 5th year.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1769\">These tests can also be requested at any time if a <strong data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1735\">recurrence of illness<\/strong> is suspected during follow-up visits.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"interdisciplinary-group\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Interdisciplinary Group<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every cancer requires, in all phases of disease management, a<strong> multidisciplinary approach<\/strong> that at the Candiolo Institute is guaranteed by a team of different specialists, belonging to the various clinical and surgical departments of the Institute: this team is called GIC (Interdisciplinary Care Group). The GIC ensures that<strong> each patient is taken care of throughout the diagnostic-therapeutic process<\/strong>, including prescribing and booking examinations and communicating with the patient and his or her family members. The GIC defines and shares a <strong>personalized care pathway<\/strong> for each patient, based not only on the type and stage of the tumor, but also on the patient&#8217;s own characteristics. The goal is to ensure that he or she has the best outcome both oncologically and functionally and the maintenance of a good quality of life.The Group also<strong> works closely with researchers<\/strong> at the Institute to ensure that patients have rapid access to the latest research-produced innovations in screening, diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-divisions\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical divisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The head and neck cancer diagnostic and therapeutic pathway at Candiolo involves several clinical divisions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/otolaryngology\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5115\">Otolaryngology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/reconstructive-plastic-surgery\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5159\">Reconstructive plastic surgery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/anesthesia-and-resuscitation\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5185\">Anesthesia and resuscitation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/medical-oncology\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5169\">Medical oncology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/nuclear-medicine\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5106\">Nuclear medicine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiotherapy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5104\">Radiotherapy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiodiagnostics\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5101\">Radiodiagnostics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/pathologic-anatomy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5118\">Pathologic anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-studies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the Candiolo Institute for Head and Neck Cancer, scientific research is particularly advanced.  <br>With patients&#8217; consent, small samples of the tumor are taken and stored in the laboratory so that the cells remain alive. These samples are transformed into <strong>organoids<\/strong>, which are<strong> small versions of the tumor<\/strong>, like &#8220;mini-tumors&#8221; in a test tube. Organoids allow researchers to <strong>study the characteristics and evolution of the tumor <\/strong>and to understand how it responds to drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>mini-tumor biobank<\/strong> serves two main purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Test the drugs already used<\/strong> to understand which ones work best and why they sometimes do not work;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>try new drugs<\/strong> or drugs already known for other diseases to find out if they can also help against these cancers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are no other cancer centers in Italy with such a large number of organoids dedicated to head and neck cancers on which DNA sequencing, which identifies the genetic profile of cancer cells, has also been performed.  <br>Thanks to this research, the Institute can test new treatments in the laboratory before using them on patients.  <br>Although the final results are not yet available, the <strong>preliminary data are very promising<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"why-choose-us\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Why choose us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Candiolo IRCCS Institute, every head and neck cancer patient is<strong> followed according to highly specialized standards<\/strong>, thanks to the synergistic work of a dedicated Interdisciplinary Care Group (ICG).<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c5308ab3e77\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical experience and tailored approach<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Due to the high number of cases treated each year, the Candiolo Institute is a <strong>national reference for taking care of esophageal cancer.<\/strong> Our experience enables us to deal with even the most complex situations, always with a <strong>personalized approach<\/strong> built on the clinical and personal profile of each patient.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Imaging technologies and advanced diagnostics<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Establishing the treatment plan always starts with an <strong>accurate and timely diagnosis<\/strong>. Patients have access to <strong>state-of-the-art imaging technologies<\/strong> that allow accurate assessment of the extent of the disease.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->In addition, the Institute offers <strong>advanced and sophisticated laboratory investigations<\/strong>, including molecular and genomic analyses, which are critical for identifying biological features of cancer and guiding therapeutic decisions.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Minimally invasive surgical techniques and multidisciplinarity<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When indicated, surgery is performed with <strong>minimally invasive techniques<\/strong> (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic), which reduce operative trauma, promote faster recovery, and improve postoperative quality of life. Every treatment choice is defined within the GIC, ensuring a consistent and integrated approach.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical research and access to trials<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->As an IRCCS, the Candiolo Institute combines clinical practice with a <strong>strong vocation for scientific research.<\/strong> Patients can be evaluated for inclusion in active <strong>clinical trials<\/strong>, which represent a real chance to access <strong>innovative therapies<\/strong> not yet available in standard practice. Collaboration between care and research is a distinctive value that translates into <strong>concrete opportunities for the patient<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Care and support every step of the way<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Interdisciplinary Care Group takes care of the person at every stage: from diagnosis to treatment to <strong>follow-up<\/strong>, with attention to <strong>nutritional support<\/strong>, <strong>psychological health<\/strong>, and <strong>reintegration into daily life<\/strong>. The organization of checkups, visits and treatment is designed to ensure <strong>continuity and serenity<\/strong>, always valuing the human dimension of care.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5288","pathology","type-pathology","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Head and neck cancers - Istituto di Candiolo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Head and neck cancers: multidisciplinary diagnosis and advanced treatment options. 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