Advanced care for head and neck cancers

At Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland, you’ll find specialists who are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices, advanced treatments and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research of head and neck cancer care – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home. Head and neck cancer, also called oral cancer, does not include brain cancer or cancer of the eye, but does include cancer of the:

• 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

Your care team will include a multidisciplinary team of doctors prioritizing early and personalized treatment: board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons, ear, nose and throat doctors, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, a cancer care navigator and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians and cancer specialists.

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When you’re going through head and neck cancer care, we’re by your side

Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have an entire care team, dedicated to your care – 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 home, family, life and self.

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Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or other specialists — you do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care navigator will help you schedule appointments and connect with other services you need. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team.

Comprehensive head and neck cancer care at Ascension Illinois

At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care we deliver the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities, medication treatments, and support services.

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 visualize the throat structures using advanced techniques including 3D imaging and endoscopic nerve monitoring technology to deliver advanced surgical treatments that support your safety and may lead to a faster recovery.

Head and neck cancer treatment options will vary based on the type and stage of cancer. At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care, our care teams have access to non-surgical therapies and advanced ENT surgical treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Endoscopic laser surgery
• Lymph node surgery
• Reconstructive (plastic and ENT) surgery
• Stereotactic radiation therapy
• Surgical tumor removal
• Therapy for swallowing disorders and speech-communication
• Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules

Benefits of our approach to head and neck cancer care

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health.

Ascension Illinois Cancer Care offers comprehensive cancer care, including:

• Diagnostic tests — We offer biopsy tests and the latest endoscopic procedures to evaluate your mouth, sinuses, thyroid and parathyroid glands, throat and esophagus for cancer cells.
• ENT specialists — Experienced surgeons deliver advanced surgical care to remove precancerous cells and tumors using an enhanced recovery process.
• Medical oncology — Your medical oncologist works with your head and neck cancer surgeon to deliver advanced care (chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy) to help stop cancer spread.
• Radiation oncology — Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
• Clinical trials — 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.
• Genetic counseling and testing — If you are high-risk or have a family history of cancer, we deliver cancer genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.
• Reconstructive (plastic) surgery — 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.
• Endocrinologists — Doctors specializing in hormone therapy and endocrine diseases provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care options to support your recovery after surgery.
• Speech-language pathologists — Speech therapists deliver personalized therapies to help improve vocal cord recovery, swallowing and how your facial muscles respond.
• Support programs and resources — Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, yoga and spiritual care. And, at Ascension Illinois sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. Call 844-952-HOPE (4673) to learn more.

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Stay connected with your personal cancer care team

Talk with your doctor or care navigator one-on-one from the comfort of your home with virtual care visits via phone or computer. Ask about virtual care appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care.

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. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

When you have received a new head and neck cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists 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 that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

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Frequently asked questions about our head and neck cancer care services