Head and Neck Oncology Program
Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe cancers originating in the mouth, throat, sinuses, nasal passages, larynx (voice box), thyroid and salivary glands. While head and neck cancers account for only five to seven percent of new cancer diagnoses annually, their cosmetic changes, functional, economical and psychosocial consequences profoundly impact a patient's quality of life requiring the combined expertise of a multi-disciplinary care team. The disease may draw your attention through a routine screening or with symptoms such as:
- Ongoing nasal congestion
- Changes in the voice or hoarseness
- Significant difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- A non-healing sore on the lip or in the mouth
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a form of head and neck cancer, choosing a hospital for your treatment is a critical first step. The Cancer Care Center at Rush-Copley leads the way with the Head and Neck Oncology Program, bringing the region's most comprehensive, academic-level services to the community. We know that conquering cancer and stepping into survivorship is a life-altering experience. We also understand that cancer does not define you. We're here to help with exceptional technology, expertise and energy. It's our promise to you.
Promising Extraordinary Care
Cancer is best described as overwhelming at any stage. At the Cancer Care Center, we strive to care for you and your family as a whole, not just treat your cancer. In fact, more than half of our oncology nurses have earned special certification recognizing their advanced training in the care of cancer patients and their families. We do everything we can to make the process easy and convenient for you and those supporting you. That includes:
- Scheduling one visit to meet all your doctors
- Providing all services in one location
Most importantly, your care will be managed by a team of medical experts who specialize in head and neck cancers. You can count on being treated by the very finest oncology specialists in the region. We are committed to providing a personal approach to caring for you. Promise.
Keying in on Prevention and Early Detection
Through our Center for Prevention and Early Detection, we offer a variety of community education programs and online resources. You'll also find the following:
- Radiology services
- Oral cavity screenings
- Nutritional counseling
- Smoking cessation programs
Pinpointing Disease Using Advanced Diagnostics
Taking advantage of the latest technologies allows for a quicker, more efficient diagnosis which may ultimately lead to faster recovery. The Head and Neck Oncology Program provides the newest diagnostic technologies.
- Endoscopy using rigid and flexible scopes to diagnose and stage cancer
- Diagnostic radiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT scanning), Ultrasonography
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy techniques aid in providing a timely diagnosis
- Audiology tests to assess disease or treatment related hearing changes
- Videofluoroscopic swallow studies to assess swallowing function
Advanced Medicine in the Cancer Fight
Early detection is the key to survival. Prompt, innovative care delivered in a respectful, compassionate manner is our promise.
Patients have access to some of the latest advances in cancer treatment through our participation in clinical trials with leading national cooperative oncology groups including the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). The program also participates in pharmaceutical trials.
The following is a summary of the advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures and treatments currently utilized by the Rush-Copley H&N Oncology team:
Surgery
- Therapeutic and reconstructive surgery is planned for each procedure to ensure maximum rehabilitation and quality of life
- Nerve monitoring techniques such as recurrent laryngeal nerve and facial nerve electromyography (EMG) help prevent the loss of facial muscle control, airway and voice after surgery
- Voice-sparing laser surgery for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers is performed for eligible patients including hemi-laryngectomy and partial laryngectomy and pharyngectomies
- Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) technique used for laryngeal cancers when indicated
- Lobectomy and total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer
Chemotherapy
- Neo-adjuvant chemoradiation for organ preservation and to increase tumor response
- Combined modality therapy
- Palliative chemotherapy when appropriate for advanced cancers
Radiation Therapy
- Includes conventional techniques as well as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) allowing physicians to target tumors while sparing critical structures such as the parotid glands and spinal cord.
- Head and Neck brachytherapy is available for local tumor control
Nuclear Medicine
Prosthodontics
- Patients requiring prosthodontic support receive assistance in accessing the appropriate resources
- Pre and post-operative visits from speech therapists for education, counseling and support
- Instruction on esophageal speech
- Electrolarynx patient loner program, we also assist patients with selecting and procuring patient's own device
- Bedside and videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluations
- Placement of and therapy with Passy Muir speaking valves
Not Just Surviving but Living Well
Patients receive a wide range of support during treatment in the H&N Oncology Program. Our multidisciplinary team includes a pain management specialists at the Rush-Copley Pain Clinic, psychologists and social workers, nutritional counselors, speech therapists, physical and occupational therapists as well as counseling for billing and insurance issues.
All patients and family members are invited to participate in our biweekly Living With Cancer support group as well as attend the annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration.
Recovery programs such as therapeutic memberships are available through the Rush-Copley Healthplex including yoga and massage. Other programs such as fatigue management or Look Good...Feel Better® help patients improve their quality of life.
To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about the Head and Neck Oncology Program at the Rush-Copley Cancer Care Center, call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539).
