Head & Neck Cancer

About Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. Although most cases are caused by tobacco use, recent studies show a link between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and some head and neck cancers.
More information about Neck Cancer

My Knight Cancer Story

When Lorraine Barr noticed a small lump on the side of her neck in 2005, she went to her doctor. A test for lymphoma came back negative, and she was told it was probably stress-related.
Read more

Treatment Options

We offer a full array of treatment options for head and neck cancer patients, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Our head and neck cancer doctors and nurses meet weekly to discuss all new head and neck cancer cases, giving every patient the benefit of the entire team's knowledge and expertise.

Surgery

Our surgeons are the most experienced in Oregon at treating head and neck cancer. Each year, they treat more than 400 patients with head and neck cancer. We see the most head and neck cancer patients including the most complex cases.

Surgery is an important part of diagnosing and treating almost all head and neck cancers. We offer an individualized cancer care plan for each patient. Expert surgery is also critical for reconstruction and rehabilitation. The collective experience of our head and neck surgeons is unmatched in Oregon. Our specialists are experts in head and neck surgery, including the latest minimally-invasive techniques. Options for surgery include:

Microsurgery
Endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted surgery
Stereotactic surgery
Laser surgery
Nerve monitoring
Robotic surgery (COMING SOON)

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used to treat head and neck cancer. It is sometimes recommended with chemotherapy instead of surgery or it can be given after surgery if needed.

Radiation plays an important role in treating head and neck cancer because head and neck cancer cells are very sensitive to radiation. This means radiation can sometimes replace the need for surgery or allow for a smaller surgery. Our specialists work hard to preserve the healthy tissues in your body, even when surgery or radiation is used to destroy or control the spread of cancer. Radiation therapy options include:

Medical Treatment

You may also have chemotherapy.
The treatment medical oncology doctors provide most often is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used in a variety of ways to treat head and neck cancers, including:

Chemotherapy before surgery or radiation (neoadjuvant or induction chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy with radiation (concurrent chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy alone

Your medical oncologist will work with other members of your multidisciplinary head and neck team to provide supportive care.This type of care will help you complete your planned chemotherapy treatments and achieve your treatment goals.

Our Team

We're committed to improving the lives of people with head and neck cancer by offering the highest quality care and innovative research. Treating head and neck cancer requires a well-coordinated team. At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, our head and neck cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists will work closely together with members of your dental, nutrition, speech and hearing team to create a personalized treatment plan. This multidisciplinary approach helps make sure you receive the best care available.

Our team of head and neck cancer experts treats all cancers of the head and neck, including skin, melanoma, sinus, salivary, oral cavity (mouth), throat and thyroid cancers.