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Head & Neck

Why Choose NorthShore University HealthSystem for Head and Neck Cancer Care?

A wide range of tumors may fall under the category of “head and neck cancer.” These cancers are typically very distressing for our patients because they may affect both appearance and basic human functions, such as talking, eating or swallowing. NorthShore University HealthSystem’s (NorthShore) head-and-neck cancer team provides comprehensive care for patients with cancers of the head and neck, which may involve the nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box, swallowing passages, salivary glands and /or the thyroid gland, and the skin of the face, head and scalp.

Treating the whole patient is a priority for the physicians of NorthShore. Removing the cancerous tumor is just one step in a care process that also includes post-treatment services, including support, rehabilitation and, in some cases, procedures to restore appearance.

A Whole Team Dedicated to Your Care

On a bi-weekly basis, our multidisciplinary team convenes to discuss each patient’s case in detail determine the appropriate stage of cancer, prognosis, and need for further testing. We construct a customized treatment plan, and consider any available research trials that we might be able to offer, in addition to state of the art standard care. Our team consists of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons working closely with the specialists that become an integral part of each patient’s recovery, including: nutritionists, dentists and speech-and- swallowing therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists and social workers.

At this important “meeting of the minds” each individual patient’s condition is evaluated and a care plan is created that is intended to provide the best chance for a good outcome. At any point during treatment, any of the team members can use our electronic medical record system to check test results and confer with other specialists. The end of the “overstuffed manila folder” method of medical recordkeeping means that patients receive quick, reliable answers to their questions about tests or lab results.

A Look to the Future

Through innovative research like that in which the NorthShore head and neck cancer team participates, most patients with localized head and neck cancer can be cured of their cancer. The choice of therapy – surgery, radiation therapy, and/ or chemotherapy depends upon both the potential for cure and the need to maximize recovery of speech, swallowing, taste, breathing and cosmetic appearance that can be affected or damaged by treatment of the delicate organs of the head, neck and face. For some types of head and neck cancer, patients and their families may face questions related to organ preservation. Organ preservation is a priority in treating cancers of the head and neck. The goal is for patients to feel like themselves again after treatment. 

Innovative Care

Providing aggressive treatments, preserving quality of life and offering access to leading-edge clinical research trials -- at NorthShore we take pride in being leaders in the technology and science of cancer care to help us treat our patients. 

A Community of Care

Individuals with a diagnosis of cancer appreciate the warmth and consistent professionalism they experience during treatment at our system’s three Kellogg Cancer Care Centers. Every patient’s care plan includes psychosocial support and access to integrative therapies and healing resources.