Head and Neck Cancer

We get it. Learning you have cancer is an overwhelming and stressful time. You want answers and to be sure you’re getting the best treatment possible. Most importantly, you want to get started as quickly as possible. So do we.

We'll work with your referring physician to get the paperwork and information we need to connect you with your care team. Then, our multidisciplinary team gets to work making the plan that’s right – just for you. Your nurse care coordinator will serve as a point person – making your appointments, answering questions and connecting you with the resources you need to feel your best, and your strongest.

Request an Appointment

Let's get started, today. We are ready to help you. Request your appointment with our head and neck multidisciplinary team at (404) 778-0278.

A second opinion is an important step in your cancer journey. Connect with our head and neck cancer specialists and get peace of mind that you're moving in the right direction.

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.

Refer a Patient

Referring physicians, you or your staff may refer a patient by contacting us at (404) 778-0278 or email to winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org.

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

• Physical examination.
• Imaging via CT, MRI or PET scans with reviews by head and neck cancer radiology experts.
• 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.

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 so that there is an adequate margin of resection. 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. It can also be used to treat advanced disease by itself or as part of a clinical trial program.

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.

Proton therapy: Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to treat cancerous tumors throughout the body and can be more targeted than conventional forms of radiation treatment. This can lead to fewer side effects. The Emory Proton Therapy Center is the only center of its kind in Georgia to offer patients access to this advanced radiation therapy. Learn about proton therapy for head and neck cancer.

Immunotherapy: At Winship, this type of treatment is available as a standard of care and 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 targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

Supportive Services

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.