Home Patient Info News & Events Associations & Resources Contact Us Site Map

Head and Neck Oncological (Cancer) Surgery

Head & Neck Surgical Associates offers comprehensive, specialized care for patients with benign and malignant tumors located between the brain and the clavicle, anterior to the spine, including tumors of the mouth, face, jaw, tongue, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and thyroid gland, as well as tumors at the skull base. HNSA has sustained a national reputation throughout the 20 years since its inception, particularly with regards to procedures for oral cavity tumors and the functional restoration of occlusion through the use of microvascular free flaps.

Our physicians and surgeons offer interdisciplinary specialization in head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery. Orthopedic microvascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, neuro-otologists, ophthalmologists, maxillofacial prosthodontists, general dentists, and medical and radiation oncologists are incorporated into a patient’s care as needed.

Patients referred to HNSA usually have evidence of a tumor, either through biopsy or X-ray, and are approached in a two-phase process. The initial phase involves a complete evaluation by a head and neck surgeon, including additional diagnostic procedures such as fine needle aspiration, open biopsies, CT scans, and MRI studies. During the information gathering process, the patient is educated as to the specific nature of his or her problem in order to enable the patient to make sound decisions. Nutrition is an important factor in the evaluation and treatment of patients with benign or malignant tumors, and nutritional evaluation may be a part of the initial phase. Many patients are geographically distant from Portland and special arrangements can be made to optimize the patient’s time. Surgical staff members provide services, as well as consultation and treatment, depending on the nature of the referral and the preferences of the referring physician and the patient.

Once the data are collected, the second phase (treatment) begins. Treatment modalities include surgery, or radiation alone, for early lesions, a combination of surgery and radiation, and in some cases, chemotherapy. Clinical trials for chemotherapy preventative agents and emerging surgical techniques are available to appropriate patients.

The practice specializes in complex anatomical and functional problems, and excels in reconstructive rehabilitation of patients with functional and cosmetic defects as a result of ablative surgery. Microvascular free flaps and osseointegrated implants are routinely utilized to restore patients ability to swallow, speak and chew normally, and to maintain normal appearance. Whenever possible, our surgeons will place dental implants and work closely with the patient’s general dentist to optimize dental rehabilitation. Post-operative care is closely coordinated with the referring physician and geared towards monitoring the patient for recurrence of tumors. Since head and neck cancer is usually related to smoking and alcohol consumption, patients are counseled with regard to lifestyle changes.

The diagnosis of a benign or malignant tumor can be an emotionally catastrophic event. The physicians and staff at HNSA are specially trained to deal with oncology patients in a supportive, informative and caring manner. We will inspire not only their confidence, but their hope. This philosophy seems to have been well accepted as we have hundreds of oncology patients coming to the practice each year from all over the Western United States, Hawaii and Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

To read more about head and neck cancer visit, please visit http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/types/head-and-neck/.

To read more about head and neck surgery, as well as procedures offered by the doctors at HNSA, please visit http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/index.cfm.

Back to Top