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Head and neck cancer care
Ascension Illinois Cancer Care in Chicagoland delivers comprehensive cancer care for head and neck cancers.
Head and neck cancer care in Illinois
Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland delivers comprehensive cancer care for head and neck cancers
About head and neck cancer care at Ascension Illinois
At Ascension Illinois in Chicago, you’ll find specialists who are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices, advanced treatments and the latest in research for head and neck cancer — bringing the best of oncology care close to home.
Your care team includes a multidisciplinary team of doctors prioritizing early and personalized treatment. This team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons,ENT doctors, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, oncology nurses, dietitians and cancer specialists.
When you’re going through head and neck cancer, we’re by your side
Cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor and have an entire care team connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care team will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to your daily life.
FIND A CANCER SPECIALIST NEAR ME
A team approach that helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your care may include imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other specialty services. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator who helps you schedule appointments and connect with any other services you need.
Comprehensive head and neck cancer care in Illinois
At Ascension Illinois, we deliver the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities, medication treatments and support services.
Our experienced endocrine and head and neck surgeons collaborate with other surgical specialists to deliver advanced care before, during and after head and neck cancer surgery. For throat cancer surgery and thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery, our surgeons use advanced techniques, including 3D imaging and endoscopic nerve monitoring technology to deliver leading-edge surgical treatments that support your safety and may lead to a faster recovery.
Types of head and neck cancer
There are several types of head and neck cancer (sometimes called oral cancer), and they all have different treatment plans.
Our specialists in Chicagoland treat many types of head and neck cancers, including cancer that affects your:
- Lymph nodes in the neck, thyroid and parathyroid gland
- Mouth, tongue, lips, gums, tonsils
- Nose and sinuses
- Salivary glands
- Throat, including vocal cords and surrounding structures
This group of cancers often form in cells that line the moist surfaces within the head and neck.
Using tobacco and drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Head and neck cancer does not include brain cancer or cancer of the eye.
How we diagnose head and neck cancer
Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, where it began and whether the cancer has spread. We use advanced molecular and genetic studies to identify head and neck cancer subtypes and create a personalized care plan.
To diagnose head and neck cancer, your doctor may recommend testing, such as:
If you want to learn more about other possible cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.
We offer biopsy tests and the latest endoscopic procedures to evaluate your mouth, sinuses, thyroid and parathyroid glands, throat and esophagus for cancer cells.
If you’re considered high-risk or have a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend cancer genetic screening, testing and counseling to help better understand your risk for developing cancer.
How we treat head and neck cancer
Your treatment for head and neck cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery may include:
Chemotherapy (or chemo) uses medications that travel through the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells.
This type of surgery may be used for early-stage tumors, which means a tumor is small and hasn't spread.
Laser surgery is most often used to remove tumors in the larynx, or voice box.
Lymph node removal may be used when the cancer may have spread.
Your cancer care team and cancer surgeon works together with plastic surgeons who provide reconstructive facial and soft tissue surgery, as needed after your primary cancer treatment. Options may include scar reduction, nose and cheek implants, skin grafts and more. Your care team works with you to create a care plan to help you to look and feel more like yourself again.
This form of radiation precisely targets cancer cells, directing beams at the tumor from different angles while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue. Treatment is often given as one high-dose, but it can be repeated. This kind of radiation may cause fewer side effects.
Your cancer care team provides support, from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups and spiritual care. At Ascension Illinois, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you.
Surgery can be used to remove a tumor from the body, particularly when the tumor is limited to a certain part of the body. Other types of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may be used before or after surgery.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts your body’s immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells. It uses substances that are either made in the body or in a lab to shrink tumors or slow tumor growth.
Speech-communication and swallowing therapy can be based on the underlying cause of any swallowing issues. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medicines or, in rare cases, surgery.
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation can be used to treat certain thyroid conditions. In this therapy, an electric current is used to make high-energy waves that heat and kill cancer cells. A thin electrode is inserted into the thyroid nodule under real-time ultrasound guidance.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.
When you have received a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our head and neck cancer specialists in the Chicago area can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Frequently asked questions about our head and neck cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – your physical and mental health. We also provide compassionate, personalized support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Illinois, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our care teams are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research. Find a location.
Getting a regular oral exam by your doctor or dentist may help find head and neck cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Doctors and dentists may use an infrared light to help visualize abnormal cells in the mouth and throat. During an endoscopic procedure, a lighted scope helps your doctor view your throat past your tonsils. When you choose ear, nose and throat specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart for your care, you are connected to all the care you need – from routine screenings to advanced care.
Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is non-invasive or invasive and to understand where the tumor began and whether or not the cancer has spread. Diagnostic blood testing, imaging and endoscopic procedures can help your doctor diagnose your condition and stage even the most rare cancers. And we use advanced genetic and molecular studies to recognize head and neck cancer subtypes to create a care plan for your type of cancer.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Illinois cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
This service requires a referral
To learn how to get a referral, please call:
- Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago — UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center: 773-665-9920
- Ascension Alexian Brothers and Ascension Saint Alexius— Cancer Center: CALL 844-952-HOPE (4673) If your doctor is referring you, they can use these same phone numbers to get everything set up.
Ascension Saint Alexius Cancer Care - Hoffman Estates
1555 North Barrington Rd Building 3, Ste. 1400
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Ascension Alexian Brothers - Cancer Care Elk Grove
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago - UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
2845 North Sheridan Rd #1300
Chicago, IL 60657
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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