Man carrying a boy; ENT specialists with Ascension Michigan deliver advanced care for head and neck cancer.

Advanced care for head and neck cancers

Cancer specialists with Ascension Michigan deliver compassionate, personalized care for oral, throat and thyroid cancer.
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Experienced head and neck cancer specialists, close to home

At Ascension Michigan sites of care, 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. We’re bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home.

Head and neck cancer, also called oral cancer, includes cancers of the:

  • Back or lower throat
  • Larynx or voice box
  • Lymph nodes in the neck, thyroid, and parathyroid gland
  • Mouth, tongue, lips, gums, and tonsils
  • Nose and sinuses
  • Salivary glands

Your care team includes a multidisciplinary team of board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, ear, nose and throat doctors, radiologists, dentists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, specialized nurse practitioners, cancer care navigator, and dedicated oncology nurses, dietitians, and cancer specialists.

Team approach helps navigate head and neck cancer care

Cancer is personal. So is the way we care for you. At Ascension Michigan, we take the time to answer all your questions – big and small. Your care team works with you to create a customized care plan, schedule appointments. We also help connect the dots to the care you need, including imaging, lab tests, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or other specialists. Our goal is to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health.

Ascension Michigan tumor board

Through virtual and in-person tumor boards, patients with complex cancers have the opportunity for multiple clinicians throughout Michigan to review their medical cases. The specialists on your care team meet with the board to discuss your condition. Our specialists provide input and expertise from many different perspectives so that you receive the best possible care.

Ascension Michigan has several cancer specialists actively involved in head and neck cancer tumor boards throughout the state.

Surgical oncologists, Southeast Michigan

Medical oncologists, Southeast Michigan

Radiation oncologists, Southeast Michigan

  • Eyad Abu-Isa, MD - Southfield, Novi
  • Amr Aref, MD - Grosse Pointe Woods, Macomb Township
  • June Chan, MD - Novi
  • Paul Chuba, MD - Warren, Rochester Hills
  • Laura Kollar McNew, MD - Southfield
  • Anna Rabbani, MD - Rochester Hills, Warren
  • Maria Vlachaki, MD - Grosse Pointe, Rochester Hills

Nurse Practitioner

Comprehensive head and neck cancer care with Ascension Michigan

Head and neck cancer treatment options vary based on the type and stage of cancer. At Ascension Michigan, our care teams have access to advanced surgical treatments, high-tech radiation facilities, medication treatments, support services and nonsurgical therapies, including:

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

Advanced head and neck cancer care

Ascension Michigan provides comprehensive cancer care, including:

  • Clinical trials

    Oncology specialists with Ascension Michigan have access to hundreds of trials. Talk to your cancer doctor to decide if one is right for you.

  • Diagnostic tests

    Biopsy and endoscopic procedures evaluate your mouth, sinuses, thyroid and parathyroid glands, throat and esophagus for cancer cells.

  • Dental services

    Some patients require additional dental care before and after oncology services.

  • Genetic counseling and testing

    Genetic screening, testing and counseling is available for high-risk patients or those with a family history of cancer.

  • Head and neck surgical oncology

    Advanced head and neck surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries, remove tumors and lymph nodes to diagnose, stage and treat cancers.

  • Medical oncology

    Chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy and advanced cancer care helps stop cancer from spreading.

  • Radiation oncology

    Advanced radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells while avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

  • Reconstructive (plastic) surgery

    Reconstructive facial and soft tissue surgery after your cancer treatment may include scar reduction, nose and cheek implants, skin grafts and more. Talk to your cancer doctor to decide what surgical treatments are right for you.


Follow-up care for head and neck cancer includes:

  • Oncology rehabilitation

    Physical therapy and speech therapy are available for patients following head and neck cancer treatment.

  • Palliative care

    Palliative care teams help relieve symptoms and provide support for patients with long-term, serious conditions.

  • Speech-language pathologists

    Speech therapy improves vocal cord recovery, swallowing and how your facial muscles respond.

  • Support programs and resources

    Ascension Michigan provides cancer support groups, nutrition education, yoga, and spiritual care, including healing gardens and chapels.


Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan

When you are facing a new diagnosis or deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. At Ascension Michigan, we make it easy for you to get a second opinion. For confidence and peace of mind about your care plan, our cancer care team can review your medical records and healthcare history, answer questions and discuss options.

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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Knowing your risk for head and neck cancer may help save your life

You may be at higher risk for developing head and neck cancers if you:

  • Are age 50 or older
  • Are overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays
  • Chew tobacco products
  • Drink alcohol
  • Have Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • Have an HPV infection
  • Smoke (including exposure to secondhand smoke)
  • Vape

Talk to your primary care doctor and dental provider about your risk for head and neck cancers.

Ascension Michigan locations