Head and Neck Cancers

Explore treatment and support options for head and neck cancers.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck, you are not alone. Our team treats more than 300 patients from across Michigan, the United States and Canada each year using advanced, effective treatment and surgical options.

The Henry Ford difference

At Henry Ford, we understand the challenges of head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment, and design a plan tailored to your needs. You will benefit from our comprehensive approach to care, including:

• Highly qualified physicians: All of our head and neck cancer physicians are board certified and our surgeons are fellowship trained in head and neck surgery. Our radiation oncologists focus exclusively on treating patients with head and neck cancers – a skill not found at most hospitals.
• Multidisciplinary tumor board: Our tumor board is a group of head and neck cancer experts who review your case and develop your individualized treatment plan, as a team. Together, we come up with a personalized plan for each case. Our team includes experts in surgery, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, dentistry, speech-language pathology, nutrition and behavioral health.
• Leading-edge treatments: Our specialists are pioneers in treating head and neck cancers with minimally invasive surgeries and reconstruction surgery. We also offer the most advanced radiation oncology technology.
• Dedicated head and neck cancer nurse navigators walk you through every stage of diagnosis and treatment. We offer 24/7 personal nurse navigators to answer your questions, schedule appointments and manage your care.
• Research and clinical trials: Giving patients access to emerging treatments
• Specialized rehabilitation and therapy: We are among a very few hospitals that have a dedicated health psychologist who supports patients facing treatment. Our speech-language pathologists provide swallowing and speech therapy after treatment.

Head and neck cancer support services

We pride ourselves on providing extensive support to head and neck cancer patients. Some of the support services  we provide include:

• Pre- and post-treatment clinics to ensure you are supported in all aspects of care
• Dedicated nurse navigators to arrange your care and answer questions
• Help when you transition home from the hospital
• On-site living arrangements for out-of-town patients who need to stay for treatment
• Our dedicated Head & Neck Cancer Support Group 
• Our patient advisory council, which brings together patients and caregivers who have managed head or neck cancer treatment