The section includes the salivary glands and thyroid, as well as structures of the upper aerodigestive tract such as the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, ear and sinonasal tract. It specializes in the management of diseases related to tumors, both benign and malignant, of the head and neck region, and disorders related to upper aerodigestive tract dysfunction.

A large part of our activities is devoted to the management of head and neck malignancy. To this end, a comprehensive program, which includes dedicated head and neck medical oncologists and radiation oncologists in addition to fellowship-trained head and neck surgical oncologists, has been developed. Comprehensive services related to speech and swallowing rehabilitation, physical therapy, nutrition, and social work specific to head and neck oncology are available. We have a head and neck inpatient unit of experienced nursing staff dedicated to the management of these patients. A number of in-house experimental protocols, in addition to participation in national head and neck protocols, exists.

Active research, both at a clinical and basic science level, is ongoing with a special emphasis on tumor biology, applications of new technology, and evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Weekly multidisclipinary clinics and monthly conferences are held in conjunction with endocrinology faculty to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients with problems related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Specialized expertise in fine needle aspiration cytology, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine and bone metabolism has helped facilitate successful management of these patients.

Swallowing and breathing problems related to abnormalities of the upper aerodigestive tract are also a focus of the head and neck surgery program. Technological advances related to videoendoscpy/stroboscopy, manovideoflurography and endoscopic surgery have allowed for more accurate diagnosis and more straightforward management of these problems. Dedicated speech and language pathologists, who are part of the Comprehensive Speech and Swallowing program and adaptation of surgical techniques related to head and neck surgical/oncology allow for successful management of problems of this nature.

Weekly head-and-neck-specific tumor boards, planning conferences, and didactic sessions are held in conjunction with our colleagues in related disciplines, including endocrinology (for diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid), neurosurgery and neurotology (for the management of tumors of the skull base), and dermatologic oncology.

We provide outreach programs for the education of the public and for Oregon health professionals, with respect to diseases in this area, both through departmental activities, as well as through the American Cancer Society. The program serves the educational needs of the Graduate Medical Education programs of Oregon Health Sciences University and, because of its strong relationships with all departments within OHSU, can help focus the tremendous resources of OHSU and its many related programs.