The Head and Neck Cancer Specialty Care Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of head and neck cancers, including the latest medical, radiation, and surgical options; access to cancer clinical trials; comprehensive supportive care options; and extensive post-treatment follow-up and surveillance.
Developing an effective treatment plan for head and neck cancer involves input from a variety of specialists. For many patients the time from diagnosis to the start of treatment can be frustrating and lengthy.
To expedite development and implementation of a treatment plan, the program brings together a multidisciplinary team of leading experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, speech-language pathology, dentistry and oral maxillofacial surgery, rehabilitation and supportive care, pain management, nutrition, and palliative care.
Once a head and neck cancer has been diagnosed and staged, the patient is referred to the specialty care center, usually by their head and neck surgeon. Patients are seen at Hillman Cancer Center by the multidisciplinary team of physicians who evaluate the patient, review diagnostic testing, and meet to discuss each patient's case to determine the best course of action for treatment. Treatment strategies are developed in tandem with referring physicians, and through UPMC Cancer Centers community network, delivery of treatment and follow-up care may be available closer to home.
