Head and Neck Cancer

A beautiful woman wears a head wrap and gazes into the distance

Your head and neck contain organs that help you speak, breathe and swallow. If you receive a head and neck cancer diagnosis, rest assured that the fellowship-trained head and neck surgeons at Trinity Health Michigan are here for you.

We deliver exceptional care for all types of head and neck cancer, including throat cancer. Our head and neck cancer nurse navigator coordinates all of your care. The head and neck cancer team develops a personalized treatment plan based on your quality of life goals. And certified cancer dieticians work with you before and after surgery to ensure you maintain weight and get the nutrition you need to heal.

What Is Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the:

Lips
Nose and sinuses
Salivary glands
Skullbase
Throat and tonsils
Tongue and voicebox

Head and Neck Cancer Care: Why Choose Us?

Head and neck experts at Trinity Health Michigan care as much about getting rid of the cancer as they do about your quality of life. We deliver the best available therapies along with support services that help you feel more like yourself again.

Highlights of our program include:

Expertise: Our team includes internationally renowned, fellowship-trained, head and neck surgeons. All of our surgeons have a reputation for delivering high-quality care. Other members of our team include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and therapists who treat a high volume of cases leading to exceptional care.
Tissue-sparing treatments: We focus on preserving healthy tissue right from the start, giving you the best chance for good results. Detailed imaging tests help us meticulously plan your care. We also use the latest surgical techniques to access hard-to-reach throat cancers without large incisions.
Innovative technologies: When new therapies are available, you’ll often find them at Trinity Health Michigan. We were the first head and neck cancer program in Michigan offering CyberKnife^®. This technology delivers focused treatments and high doses of radiation, so you receive the care you need in fewer sessions. Get more information about radiation therapy.
Support: We are here for you as you transition back to everyday life after treatment. Our head and neck cancer support group meets monthly, so you can learn from the experiences of fellow patients. A member of our team discusses care topics and methods for overcoming common challenges, such as difficulty swallowing.
Nurse navigators: Our nurse navigators are here for you right from the start. We answer your questions and lend a caring ear, so you feel confident about the next steps of your care. Nurse navigators also coordinate appointments as well as additional therapies, including emotional support.

Coordinated Care for Head and Neck Cancer

We coordinate every step of your treatment and personalize it to you. Our team of experts discuss your care in meetings called tumor boards. These meetings bring together our large team of specialists, including surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists and specially-trained nurses.

We consider all of your options and determine the best ways to tailor your care. Our team also stays in close contact between meetings, making it possible to modify care plan to your changing needs.

Treatments for Throat Cancer and Other Types of Head and Neck Cancer

You have access to the full range of head and neck cancer treatments. We determine the options that are best for you based on the cancer’s location and how serious it is. We explain how each treatment works and take time to answer all of your questions.

Your care may include:

Surgery: We were the first hospital in Michigan offering transoral laser microsurgery. We can remove hard-to-reach cancers without making an incision in the neck. We use transoral laser surgery for cancers at the base of the tongue, in the voice box or deep in your throat.
Radiation therapy: We use powerful beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Our experts calculate the positioning of the equipment and the dose of radiation to your precise needs. Our attention to detail means more radiation where it’s needed and a lower risk of damaging healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy: You have access to established therapies as well as newly approved cancer drugs. We stay up to date on all the latest care practices and participate in research exploring new options. You receive drug combinations and doses that are best for your needs. Find out more about chemotherapy and medical oncology.

Additional Services to Help You Feel and Stay Healthy

If you’re having difficulty swallowing, we’re here to help. We offer specialized services and therapies to keep your recovery moving forward so you can regain your quality of life after treatment.

These services include:

Weekly nutrition clinic: A dietitian provides personalized recommendations for getting the nutrients you need. When you maintain a healthy weight, you have a lower risk of complications.
Supportive services: You may experience some difficulty speaking after treatment, depending on the location of the cancer. Our certified speech therapists help you regain your ability to speak. We also use a variety of techniques to help control pain, so you stay as comfortable as possible during recovery. Learn more about supportive care and services.