A physician examines a patient's ear during a head and neck cancer appointment

Head and Neck Cancer

Duke is a high-volume referral center for the treatment of head and neck cancers, which include tumors in the mouth, throat, tonsils, larynx, sinuses, neck lymph nodes, salivary glands, and thyroid gland. Duke’s head and neck cancer specialists are internationally recognized research and clinical experts who make these diseases their primary focus.

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An Integrated Approach to Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

The team includes specialists in head and neck oncologic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, oral medicine, radiology, speech therapy, and pathology.

Their integrated approach to head and neck cancer treatment includes state-of-the-art surgical approaches such as transoral robotic surgery to treat tonsil, tongue, oral, and larynx cancers. These approaches incorporate the resection of the tumor while preserving speech, swallowing, and breathing functions.[DBM2] High-precision image-guided radiotherapy allows for the delivery of full doses of radiation to tumors while sparing the function of adjacent, uninvolved normal tissues.

Speech pathology, audiology, oral medicine specialists, and patient support services also play an active role in helping patients maintain quality of life throughout their treatment and recovery.

gift purple logo

Donate to Support Head & Neck Cancer Research at Duke

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Learn more about head and neck cancer treatment at Duke

This page was reviewed on 01/17/2024