Tumor Surgery

The surgeon-scientists of the Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Tumor Center are at the leading edge of head and neck tumor surgical treatment. You will benefit from the skilled care of head and neck surgeons, who are guiding clinical advancements in the field of head and neck tumor care.

Call for an Appointment

Patients who suspect they have cancer or who have been recently diagnosed:

Call 443-997-6467

Patients who have metastatic cancer:

Call 410-955-8964

Patient and Family Services

The Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program offers a variety of resources such as emotional support, assistance with temporary housing and transportation, help with finances and legal matters, religious support and aid in managing care.

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Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Cancer Center

Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Center, its expert team -- including head and neck cancer surgeons, skull base surgeons, speech-language pathologists, radiation and medical oncologists -- personalized patient care, research into finding a cure and teaching the next generation of specialists.

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Treatments We Offer

Glossectomy

A glossectomy is a procedure to surgically remove parts of the tongue, most often to treat tongue cancer. There are three types of glossectomies, which vary depending on the extent of the tumor.

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

Tumors in the throat, base of the tongue and tonsils — hotspots for human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors of the head and neck — can be difficult to reach surgically. Traditionally, their surgical removal entailed cutting the jaw, a large incision in the neck, long hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation of swallowing and speech. However, robotic surgery now permits us to reach these tumors through the mouth in a minimally invasive surgery.

Da Vinci robot arm used in TORS procedure.

Neck Dissection

Cancers of the head and neck can drain into lymph nodes in the neck. A neck dissection is removal of the lymph nodes that may have cancer. The procedure is performed to determine the number of lymph nodes that have or do not have cancer.

Parotidectomy

A parotidectomy is surgery to remove part or all of a tumor (benign or cancerous) in the parotid gland. If a tumor forms in a parotid gland, your doctor may recommend a parotidectomy to remove the affected areas. The tumor may be benign or cancerous.

Laryngectomy Surgery

A laryngectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the larynx, the area of the throat that contains your vocal cords. It’s a treatment for laryngeal cancer or damage to the larynx from injury or other health complications.

Recurrent Tonsil Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation | Tom’s Story

After multiple surgeries and radiation therapy to treat his recurrent tonsil cancer, Tom was referred to Johns Hopkins. Learn how the head and neck tumor team worked with him to create an intensive surgical and rehabilitation plan that now allows him to enjoy his favorite activities again.

View other patient stories