Head and neck cancer, including tumors of the oral cavity, throat and larynx (voice box) affect 40,000 Americans each year. Additionally, many more patients are affected by tumors of the lymph nodes, neck, head, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and the skin.

The Head and Neck Tumor Program at Swedish offers contemporary management for patients with these problems using a multidisciplinary, team approach. Patients receive pretreatment consultations that utilize state-of-the-art pathology and imaging techniques and are then discussed in our multidisciplinary tumor conference. Treatment is coordinated by a fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic surgeon who helps plan care with other cancer professionals such as radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, oncologic dentists, specialists in cancer nursing, pain control, speech/language pathology and nutrition. Positive outcomes for patients with head and neck tumors depend on the coordinated effort of these specialists.

Both surgical and nonsurgical approaches are utilized. Combined chemotherapy, immune therapy and radiation treatment modalities have improved our efforts to preserve vital organs and their function resulting in significant improvements in our patients' appearance and their ability to speak and swallow.

What are Head and Neck Tumors?
Tumors are masses that may develop in the head and neck region. While some of these masses are cancerous (malignant), many are not (benign). It is important to see a doctor if any abnormal masses develop and persist for more than two weeks. By performing a complete physical exam, a doctor will help determine if the growth is cancerous or not. Early detection and management provides the highest chance of successful treatment for both cancerous and noncancerous tumors.