The Johns Hopkins Difference
When you come to Johns Hopkins for treatment of a head and neck tumor, our multidisciplinary team will develop a plan for your individual needs. Your case is reviewed by medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, speech-language pathologists, nurses and other experts. Our goal is to see patients who have a biopsy-proven head and neck cancer diagnosis within 24 business hours of seeking an appointment.
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
Addressing Your Head and Neck Tumor
Tumor care may require an array of treatments. These treatments can be combined for optimal outcomes, depending on the case.
Surgery
Our surgeons are typically the first type of specialist who you will meet once your case has been reviewed at our multidisciplinary weekly meeting. Our team's surgical expertise includes a deep understanding of the pathway of cancer care and survivorship. With you from the start, our cancer surgeons coordinate your treatment.
Radiation
At Johns Hopkins, our radiation oncologists are anatomy experts experienced in treating head and neck tumors by using a personalized, results-driven approach that minimizes pain and damage to nearby body structures, including proton therapy.
Pathology
Pathologists review biopsies of tumors and tissue from surgeries to diagnose and stage tumors. They also perform specialized tests to most-accurately diagnose your conditions.
Medical Oncology
Our medical oncologists are experts in providing systemic therapies such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. They work with the head and neck surgery and radiation oncology teams to optimize treatment outcomes. Innovative clinical trials address unmet needs and improve care, with potentially less toxic and more efficacious options. They include trials focused on immunotherapy and treatment de-escalation.
Managing the Effects of Tumor Treatment
Once the tumor has been treated, you may require additional care. Johns Hopkins offers a breadth of services to help you feel like you again.
Head and Neck Reconstruction
Some head and neck tumors may require reconstruction at the time of surgery or after treatment to restore your appearance and function of the affected area. Reconstructive procedures may include bone, muscle or skin transfer from another area or use of custom facial prosthetics.
Speech-language Pathology
Speech-language pathologists can help you restore or develop compensation strategies for swallowing and speech issues resulting from the cancer treatment.
Dental Rehabilitation
Changes in your teeth or mouth may require dental care such as special toothpaste, implants, bridges or prosthetics. Our dental experts understand the consequences of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy on the complicated structures within the mouth to provide advanced dental care.
Supportive Care
Treatment for head and neck tumors may involve a consultation with a supportive medicine specialist. Your supportive care specialists will spend time with you to make sure that you and your family can fully match your treatment options to your personal needs and goals, and ensure comfort.
Survivorship
The head and neck tumor survivorship program helps patients, families and their caregivers learn how to live with this disease after treatment. The program includes an annual patient education date, during which patients and others can attend lectures from Johns Hopkins experts about advances in treatments and updates on the latest research. It also provides resources to newly diagnosed patients to educate them about the disease, including a book written by Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery specialists.
