Head and Neck Cancer

Your Winship care team draws on Emory's vast expertise and resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer affects the mouth, throat, nose and sinuses and salivary glands. Oral and oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are included in this group of diseases.

As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

• Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top head and neck cancer experts in the world.
• Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
• Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
• Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
• Availability of new treatment options through clinical trials in radiation and systemic therapy.
• Access to support programs and groups for you and your caregivers.

Proton therapy: Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to precisely treat cancerous tumors throughout the body and can be more precise than conventional forms of radiation treatment. The Emory Proton Therapy Center, currently under construction and set to open in late 2018, will be the first center of its kind in Georgia to offer patients access to this new, state-of-the-art radiation therapy.

Immunotherapy: This type of treatment uses your body's immune system to recognize and to enhance its ability to tackle cancer cells.

Targeted therapies: Winship's most promising research in treating head and neck cancer is in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In personalized medicine, researchers identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual’s cancer. In targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.

To schedule an appointment with Emory Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology), please contact (404) 778-3381.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.