Head and Neck Cancer

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for head and neck cancer treatment, you have a multidisciplinary team of experts drawing from a vast set of resources and dedicated to your well-being.

Your Care at Winship

The experts at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University treat more patients with head and neck cancer than any other type of 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.

Diagnosing Your Cancer

There are several ways your physician may diagnose your head and neck cancer:

  • Physical examination
  • Imaging via CT, MRI or PET scans
  • Endoscopy: flexible or rigid endoscopes are used to look for abnormal tissue throughout the head and neck.
  • Biopsy: a small sample of tissue is examined by a pathologist under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.

Learn About Cancer

For reliable, in-depth information about cancer symptoms, staging and diagnosis, visit CancerQuest, an educational and outreach program at Emory University. 

Visit CancerQuest

Your Treatment Options

Winship’s head and neck specialists provide one or more of the following types of treatment:

Surgery: the main purpose of surgery for head and neck cancer patients is to remove the tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it. Reconstructive surgical options are also discussed before the start of treatment.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery or radiation to maximize the treatment.

Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It may also be used in combination with a chemotherapy drug that makes the radiation more effective. Learn more about radiation therapy treatments and services.

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.

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.

Clinical Trials at Winship

 Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.

Learn More About Clinical Trials

Your Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to make an appointment or request an appointment online. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

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.

Download Patient Handout
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Your Treatment Team

Summer Al-Majed LMSW

  • Social Worker
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Summer Al-Majed LMSW

Summer Al-Majed LMSW

  • Summer Al-Majed, LMSW works with patients with brain and spine tumors, and aerodigestive malignancies at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-4593

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

  • Dr. Baer helps patients and their families deal with the stress of receiving a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
  • Medical Director of Psychiatric Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-5646

Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO

  • Radiation Oncologist
Photo of Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO
Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO

Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO

  • Dr. Beitler is a radiation oncologist specializing in head and neck cancer at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2391

Stephen Brandt MD

  • Endocrinologist
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Stephen Brandt MD

Stephen Brandt MD

  • A board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Brandt specializes in adrenal disorders, diabetes mellitis, osteoporosis, pituitary disorders and thyroid disorders.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3280

Latoya Britt ANP-BC

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Latoya Britt ANP-BC

Latoya Britt ANP-BC

Russell Brown LMSW

  • Social Worker
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Russell Brown LMSW

Russell Brown LMSW

  • Mr. Brown works with gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast cancer, brain cancer, gynecological, aerodigestive, and sarcoma patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
  • Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
  • (404) 686-5191

Nikita Burke LMSW

  • Social Worker
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Nikita Burke LMSW

Nikita Burke LMSW

  • Ms. Burke works with medical oncology and radiation oncology patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
  • Social Worker, Medical and Radiation Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
  • (404) 686-1302

Grant W. Carlson MD, FACS

  • Reconstructive Surgeon
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Grant W. Carlson MD, FACS

Grant W. Carlson MD, FACS

  • Dr. Carlson is a leading expert in breast reconstruction and skin sparing mastectomy for patients with breast cancer, and microvascular surgery for head and neck cancer patients.
  • Wadley R. Glenn Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3307

Caitlyn Carson RN, BSN, OCN

  • Nurse Navigator
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Caitlyn Carson RN, BSN, OCN

Caitlyn Carson RN, BSN, OCN

Amy Y. Chen MD, MPH, FACS

  • Surgical Oncologist
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Amy Y. Chen MD, MPH, FACS

Amy Y. Chen MD, MPH, FACS

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

Hannah H. Collins NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Hannah H. Collins NP

Hannah H. Collins NP

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director of Supportive and Palliative Care Outpatient Services , Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Scott Edelman MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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Scott Edelman MD

Scott Edelman MD

Mark W. El-Deiry MD, FACS

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Mark W. El-Deiry MD, FACS

Mark W. El-Deiry MD, FACS

Badi El Osta MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Badi El Osta MD

Badi El Osta MD

  • Dr. El Osta's clinical expertise includes head and neck, and thoracic medical oncology and early phase clinical trials.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Sharon Etris MS, FNP-C, AOCNP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Sharon Etris MS, FNP-C, AOCNP

Sharon Etris MS, FNP-C, AOCNP

Joan Giblin NP

  • Survivorship Program
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Joan Giblin NP

Joan Giblin NP

  • An experienced nurse practitioner specialist with extensive patient care involvement, Ms. Giblin facilitates continued good health and quality of life for cancer survivors.
  • Survivorship Program Director, Winship Cancer Institute
  • (404) 778-1900

Bruce D. Goldsweig MD

  • Community Oncologist
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Bruce D. Goldsweig MD

Bruce D. Goldsweig MD

Christopher C. Griffith MD, PhD

  • Pathologist
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Christopher C. Griffith MD, PhD

Christopher C. Griffith MD, PhD

  • Dr. Griffith is a board certified pathologist specializing in head and neck cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Valerie Henderson MSW

  • Social Worker
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Valerie Henderson MSW

Valerie Henderson MSW

Kristin Higgins MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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Kristin Higgins MD

Kristin Higgins MD

  • As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Higgins specializes in the treatment of lung, head and neck cancers.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3473

Patricia A. Hudgins MD, FACR

  • Radiologist
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Patricia A. Hudgins MD, FACR

Patricia A. Hudgins MD, FACR

  • Dr. Hudgins specializes in the imaging of the head and neck and has been recognized for her exceptional achievements and techniques in radiology.
  • Director, Head and Neck Radiology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 712-7036

Emily M. Huskey RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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Emily M. Huskey RD, LD

Emily M. Huskey RD, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Huskey provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-4526

Meryl Kaufman MEd, CCC-SLP, BRS-S

  • Speech-Language Pathologist
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Meryl Kaufman MEd, CCC-SLP, BRS-S

Meryl Kaufman MEd, CCC-SLP, BRS-S

  • Ms. Kaufman works closely with the otolaryngology team to address laryngeal conditions of all types, including problems that affect the voice, swallowing, and airway.
  • Lead Speech-Language Pathologist, Emory University Hospital Midtown
  • (404) 778-3381

Adam Klein MD

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Adam Klein MD

Adam Klein MD

Emily Walters Klein RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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Emily Walters Klein RD, CSO, LD

Emily Walters Klein RD, CSO, LD

Irina Knudsen NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Irina Knudsen NP

Irina Knudsen NP

Colleen Lewis NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Colleen Lewis NP

Colleen Lewis NP

Douglas E. Mattox MD

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Douglas E. Mattox MD

Douglas E. Mattox MD

  • Dr. Mattox is board certified in both otolaryngology and neurotology and specializes in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant tumors of the ear.
  • William Chester Warren, Jr., MD Chair and Professor, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3381

Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

  • Located at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Ms. McCall works with the medical oncology teams and their patients.
  • Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 938-0918

Mark McDonald MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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Mark McDonald MD

Mark McDonald MD

  • Dr. McDonald specializes in the treatment of skull base tumors, head and neck cancer, and tumors of the brain and spine, as well as proton therapy.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3473

Charles E. Moore MD

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Charles E. Moore MD

Charles E. Moore MD

  • Dr. Moore specializes in otolaryngology and the surgical treatment of cancers of the head and neck with a focus craniomaxillofacial and anterior skull base surgery.
  • Chief of Service, Otolaryngology, Grady Memorial Hospital
  • (404) 778-3381

Melvin R. Moore MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Melvin R. Moore MD

Melvin R. Moore MD

  • Dr. Moore treats head and neck, lung and genitourinary cancer patients at Grady Memorial Hospital.
  • Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 489-9000

Janet Nizam RN, BSN, OCN

  • Nurse Navigator
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Janet Nizam RN, BSN, OCN

Janet Nizam RN, BSN, OCN

Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR

  • Medical Oncologist
Photo of Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR
Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR

Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR

  • Dr. Owonikoko's clinical specialties include lung cancer, thyroid cancer and other cancers of the aerodigestive tract.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine; Co-Chair, Clinical and Translational Review Committee, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Sandra Parker NP-C

  • Team Member
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Sandra Parker NP-C

Sandra Parker NP-C

  • Ms. Parker is an advanced registered nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
  • Nurse Practitioner, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
  • (678) 843-7004

Mihir R. Patel MD

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Mihir R. Patel MD

Mihir R. Patel MD

Beth Perlmutter MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
Photo of Beth Perlmutter MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Beth Perlmutter MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Beth Perlmutter MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C

  • At Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Ms. Perlmutter works with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
  • Manager of Winship Social Services, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
  • (678) 843-7826

Avril M. Phillips LCSW, ACM-SW

  • Social Worker
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Avril M. Phillips LCSW, ACM-SW

Avril M. Phillips LCSW, ACM-SW

Steven Roser MD, DMD, FACS

  • Surgeon
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Steven Roser MD, DMD, FACS

Steven Roser MD, DMD, FACS

  • Dr. Roser specializes in palate and maxillofacial surgery.
  • DeLos Hill Professor of Oral Surgery and Chief, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-4500

Martha J. Ryan MS, FNP-C

  • Lead Nurse Practitioner
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Martha J. Ryan MS, FNP-C

Martha J. Ryan MS, FNP-C

Nabil F. Saba MD, FACP

  • Medical Oncologist
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Nabil F. Saba MD, FACP

Nabil F. Saba MD, FACP

Elizabeth L. Seelinger MS, CCC-SLP

  • Speech-Language Pathologist
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Elizabeth L. Seelinger MS, CCC-SLP

Elizabeth L. Seelinger MS, CCC-SLP

Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS

  • Medical Oncologist
Photo of Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS
Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS

Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS

  • As a medical oncologist, Dr. Shin is sought after for the treatment of lung cancer, head and neck cancer along with mesothelioma, thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
  • Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Conor E. Steuer MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Conor E. Steuer MD

Conor E. Steuer MD

Traci Switzer MS, ANP-C

  • Adult Care Nurse Practitioner
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Traci Switzer MS, ANP-C

Traci Switzer MS, ANP-C

Craig Villari MD

  • Head and Neck Surgeon
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Craig Villari MD

Craig Villari MD

Daniel Whitfield

  • Chaplain
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Daniel Whitfield

Daniel Whitfield

David Yu MD, PhD

  • Radiation Oncologist
Photo of David Yu MD, PhD
David Yu MD, PhD

David Yu MD, PhD

  • A radiation oncologist, Dr. Yu specializes in treating head and neck, breast and lung cancers at Grady Memorial Hospital.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3473
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