Head and Neck Program
What a Patient Should Expect
Head and neck cancer is best treated in an interdisciplinary facility. This type of facility has the best ability to diagnose and treat these tumors. An otolaryngologist or a specialist in the diseases of the nose and throat with special training in head and neck cancer is usually the physician you will see on your first visit. This physician examines and evaluates the structures of the mouth, throat and voice box and diagnoses the tumor.
After a diagnosis is made, the otolaryngologist consults with other physicians on the Interdisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board to discuss optimum treatment. This treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or drug treatment. During the treatment of tumors, other specialists including specialists in nutrition, swallowing therapy and voice therapy work together to optimize the patient's quality of life and to preserve the patient's normal activities.
The following resources may be helpful: