Head and neck cancer is the general term used when malignant (cancerous) cells form within areas of your head and neck, including your mouth, nose and throat.

At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, our specialists combine world-renowned medical expertise, innovation and compassion to offer exceptional head and neck cancer care. By creating personalized treatment plans that incorporate groundbreaking discoveries and collaborations with cancer researchers, our team works to effectively treat your cancer and provide you with whole-person care.

Doctors discussing treatment

You’ll have a team of experts from many different areas of medicine. They work together under one roof in our dedicated Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic. Your team will include specialists from our Cancer Patient Support Center. They help you get services such as physical therapy, nutritional advice, pain management assistance and more.

You’ll also benefit from our innovative Patient Navigation Program. The program offers dedicated nurse navigators who help streamline your care delivery. From diagnosis through treatment and life after cancer, our goal is to make your cancer journey as smooth and easy as possible.

Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of different types of head and neck cancers vary. But general symptoms of these cancers may include:

  • A lump in your neck
  • A sore in your mouth or throat that doesn’t heal or go way
  • A sore throat that doesn’t improve
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness or other changes in your voice

If you have symptoms, it’s best to bring them to your physician’s attention.

p>Medical illustration of head and neck cancer regions.

 

Meet the Experts

Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic

Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic

Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute’s head and neck cancer specialists combine unsurpassed medical expertise, innovation and compassionate care to treat each patient’s specific cancer. We work together to design the best and most effective treatment plans, incorporating new technology and a personalized approach.

Tumor Board

Tumor Board

At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, a team of cancer experts meets weekly to discuss select complex cases and determine the best course of care. This team includes:

  • Clinical trials staff
  • Genetic counselors
  • Medical geneticists
  • Medical oncologists
  • Pathologists
  • Patient navigators
  • Plastic reconstructive surgeons
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Radiologists
  • Social workers
  • Surgeons

Hematologic oncology and bone marrow transplant experts may also take part in these discussions. The combined expertise of these specialists helps ensure you get the best available care.

Surgical Oncologists

Medical Oncologist

Radiation Oncologists

Reconstructive Surgery

Rehabilitation Oncologists

Oral Medicine Specialist

“When I was told that I was cancer free, it was very emotional,” he said. “Once I retired from the military, I became the primary caretaker for the kids and my wife works outside the home. I feel blessed to have a second chance in life. I would like to see my kids grow up, get older, see my grandkids.”

South Florida’s First Proton Therapy Center

Proton therapy is a highly specialized treatment that directs proton particles toward tumors. The goal of treatment is to destroy cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue and decreasing the risk of side effects. This sophisticated therapy is used only for certain types of cancers and in a limited number of people.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

The vast majority of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers start in the mucus membrane — the moist, inner lining — of your mouth, nose and throat. The mouth and voice box are the most common cancer sites, but there are many different types of head and neck cancer.

Each type has its own specific risk factors, symptoms, prevention techniques and treatments. As a result, prognosis and treatment options vary based on your genetic makeup, the location of your cancer and your cancer’s stage.

For a comprehensive look at a specific type of head and neck cancer, click a cancer type below:

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