Head and Neck Cancer: Treatment and Reconstruction

Advanced Surgical and Reconstructive Techniques

ProMedica has the region’s only fellowship-trained head and neck and microvascular reconstructive surgeons. With their expertise, we strive to bring our communities the most advanced treatments. We specialize in minimally invasive surgery, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS) using the single-port robot. We also specialize in endoscopic skull base surgery. These procedures provide less invasive alternatives for eligible patients.

For those requiring reconstruction, we offer state-of-the-art surgical solutions to optimize how your body looks and functions. This supports your best possible quality of life. From consultation to recovery, we are here with you every step of the way.

Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers found in the head and neck. Our surgeons treat the following types of cancers:

• Mucosal head and neck cancer. These cancers include oral (mouth), oropharynx (throat) nasal, nasopharynx, larynx (voice box) and hypopharynx cancers. This includes HPV-related cancers.
• Thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is a very common cancer in both young and old. Our surgeons have the training and experience necessary to provide the best care for these cancers.
• Skin cancer. Our surgeons work collaboratively with dermatologists to treat skin cancers of the head and neck. They provide both cancer care and reconstruction for optimal cosmetic results.
• Salivary gland cancer. Our surgeons treat both benign (noncancerous) and cancerous tumors of the salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual and minor salivary glands).

An Individualized Approach to Treatment

Our multidisciplinary team is committed to individualized approaches that give each patient the best chance for cure as well as the best long-term quality of life.

Our experts have a range of state-of-the-art treatments. Your doctors and care team will review your treatment options with you and your family. Together, you’ll decide on a plan that’s best for you.

Initial Testing

Before treatment can begin, you may have several tests so your doctor can better understand the cancer and how to best treat it. A biopsy may be performed to test sample tissue. Imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans provide detailed images of the body. This will help your doctor accurately diagnose the location of your cancer and determine the best course of treatment.

Surgery

Our doctors perform different types of surgery to remove cancer, including transoral robotic surgery using the single-port robotic system. This minimally invasive surgery allows them to treat more patients through surgery than ever before. Our surgeons have a detailed 3D view and can control the robot with immense precision, even in small spaces.

When surgically removing cancer, our surgeons may also remove lymph nodes and tissue around the cancer. This helps prevent cancer from returning or spreading. A pathologist will also test the removed tissue to ensure that all the cancer has been removed.

Chemotherapy and Radiation

Depending on where the cancer originates and how large it is, chemotherapy and radiation treatment may be recommended. Chemotherapy is a medication that shrinks and kills cancerous cells. Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to slow or stop tumor growth, or to destroy it completely.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Immunotherapy is a type of medication that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Targeted therapies are medications that target specific mutations and pathways to provide individualized cancer therapy.

Reconstruction

Our goal is to get you back to the life you love. After cancer treatment, you may need reconstructive surgery to improve your quality of life or function. Our head and neck surgeons are experts in reconstructive techniques. They can reconstruct the tongue, jaw and other areas affected by head and neck cancer.