Head & Neck Surgery
Each year more than 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, including cancer of the larynx and thyroid. Not only can the disease be life-threatening, but many patients as a result of the disease and its treatment, must also endure alterations in facial and neck appearance as well as alterations in speech, sight, smell, chewing, swallowing and taste perception.
The specialists at the University of Illinois Medical Center’s Division of Head & Neck Cancer have special interest and recognized expertise in the evaluation and management of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinuses, and neck. The division also offers specialized care for noncancerous tumors of the head and neck, diseases and tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands, as well as skin tumors. The highly experienced medical team offers patients compassionate and comprehensive care.
Our Services
The University of Illinois Medical Center uses the following procedures to evaluate and diagnose potential head and neck cancers:
- Flexible endoscopy
- Tissue biopsy
- Fine-needle biopsy
- Cytology
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
In addition to a range of surgical approaches for tumor removal, the division provides unusual technical capabilities in laser surgery, image guided endoscopic sinus surgery, reconstructive surgery of tumor defects (including microvascular surgery), and voice rehabilitation after laryngeal surgery.
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Multidisciplinary Team
The Medical Center offers a comprehensive cancer care team, comprised of highly trained specialists from throughout the Medical Center including medical oncologist Lawrence Feldman, M.D.; radiation oncologist Arno Mundt, M.D.; and specialists in the areas of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, dietetics and social work. The Head and Neck Oncology surgeons, Mike Yao, MD and Kristen Pytynia, MD, MPH, staff the head and neck cancer tumor clinic, which is geared to meet the multidisciplinary needs of the head and neck cancer patient. Radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical endocrinologists, and physicians who specialize in maxillofacial prosthodontics are also available for consultation. Weekly patient conferences are designed to ensure the highest quality of care for all head and neck cancer patients. | |
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