|
|
|
Head and Neck Cancer Program
| According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), head and neck cancers account for 3 percent to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States. These cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. The majority of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use. |
|
To make an appointment or for more information, call 866-680-0505 or use our online form.
|
The physician-led team of the Head and Neck Cancer Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin has the expertise at diagnosing and treating these cancers that patients won’t readily find elsewhere. As part of one of the top academic medical centers in the country, our nationally recognized experts deliver the best possible patient outcomes. Our surgeons are all fellowship-trained in their chosen specialties. And, we offer patients opportunities to participate in clinical trials not available anywhere else in the region.
|
|
The Clinical Cancer Center's hub model builds the entire care experience around patients. Dedicated program coordinators answer questions, address concerns, coordinate treatment and help you along in your journey. | When providing care for patients with head, neck and skull base cancers, we look beyond treating the cancer. We also focus on preserving each patient’s quality of life and minimizing long-term side effects. We see new patients as quickly as possible and begin planning treatment quickly as well.
Because head, neck and skull base cancers are uncommon, our expertise is all the more valuable. Many Medical College of Wisconsin physicians at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin specialize in head and neck cancer. That means patients will find expertise, relevant clinical research studies, new drugs and other cutting-edge therapies all aimed at specific head and neck cancers.
The Head and Neck Cancer Program is one of 13 disease-specific programs at the Clinical Cancer Center.
|
|
|
EvaluationEvaluation is key when treating head, neck and skull base cancers. An important first step is determining whether a tumor is cancerous or not and where it may have originated, because cancers of the head, neck and skull base may have spread from another part of the body. We also provide second opinions for patients who wish to confirm a diagnosis and/or learn more about available treatment options.
We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, keeping up with the medical literature, participating in significant clinical trials, and conducting our own research. We use the latest technology and approaches based on research evidence and proven results.
Pretreatment CounselingPretreatment counseling is another important part of patient care. Many patients face significant lifestyle changes that can affect their ability to eat, swallow, talk and breathe in the short- or long-term. We arrange appointments with the appropriate specialists for each patient prior to treatment. Nurse practitioners work with each patient to assist in guiding them through the process. Speech-Language Pathologists with specific expertise in head and neck cancer rehabilitation are involved early and provide counseling and treatment planning related to swallowing and voice. For example, patients having laryngeal surgery will see a speech pathologist before their surgery to talk about side effects and follow-up care.
Patients having surgery on the oral cavity may need dental work done at the same time, and they will meet with an oral surgeon in advance. Patients having thyroid surgery may meet with an endocrinologist to discuss possible side effects after surgery. In some cases, staff will arrange for a patient to meet with someone who’s been through the same procedure to talk about what life is like after treatment.
Treatment ApproachesBecause head and neck cancers are complicated diseases, we offer the most cutting-edge treatments based on the latest evidence and delivered by a highly skilled team of specialists.
Multidisciplinary CareA multidisciplinary approach means patients don’t just receive one opinion from one physician. Experts from head and neck surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, speech pathology and other areas are involved in each case as appropriate, and they’re all in one location. This team approach means patients get the best possible care and learn about the latest treatment options from all relevant specialties.
The right medicines, the right combinations and the right sequences matter greatly in treating head, neck and skull base cancers. For each patient, team members determine the best treatment approach. In recent years, for example, research has shown that some head and neck cancers can be successfully treated without removing important organs, such as the larynx (voice box). This move away from surgery and toward organ preservation can make a dramatic difference in the quality of a patient’s life. (Surgery and surgical reconstruction, however, still have vital roles in treating many head and neck cancers.) Chemotherapy that works for one kind of cancer, doesn’t work for every kind of cancer or every patient.
Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive procedures. Surgical treatment options now include procedures performed through the mouth without external incisions or scars. These procedures are often performed with surgical endoscopes and microscopes using the latest laser technology and have the benefit of maximizing functional outcome while minimizing operative morbidity but still remaining oncologically sound.
Otolaryngology (Head and Neck) Tumor BoardAnother example of our multidisciplinary care is our Otolaryngology Tumor Board. The tumor board is a weekly meeting of physician specialists who gather to review and discuss cases and recommend treatment for each patient. Other facilities may have one tumor board that reviews a small percentage of all kinds of cancer cases they see. Froedtert & The Medical College have nine different tumor boards and almost all head and neck cancer patients have their cases reviewed by the Otolaryngology Tumor Board
A broad spectrum of resources for patients and their families are also available. We offer genetics counseling for people with a strong family history of cancer, and social services to help smokers quit. Our Palliative Care Program is the only one of its kind in the state and a national leader in end-of-life care, research and education. We do our best to help patients find the resources they need.
We value each patient’s quality of life as much as successfully treating their condition. We prepare patients for life after treatment even before it begins. We want patients to do more than just survive the cancer; we want them to thrive after cancer.
Bruce Campbell, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin otolaryngologist, reflects on intersection of life and medicine in his blog, Reflections in a Head Mirror.
Author: Joan Cotter Pike Date: Apr. 13, 2012 | Medical Reviewer: | Bruce Campbell, MD |
Online Editor(s): Richard Petre |
|
|