The oropharynx includes the middle of the throat from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box. Cancers can occur at the base of the tongue, in the tonsils, on the soft palate, and in the walls of the pharynx. There are two types of these cancers: HPV-positive, which are related to human papillomavirus infection, and HPV-negative. HPV-negative oral cancer is often related to heavy tobacco or alcohol usage.
Diagnoses of HPV-positive head and neck cancers increased 225 percent in the last two decades.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
The Department of Otolaryngology ranks No. 9 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The team has one of the largest academic head-neck cancer groups in the country at South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Surgeons lead a well-established multidisciplinary oncology team, incorporating innovative techniques such as oral cancer screening, robotic technology, microvascular reconstruction, sentinel node identification, and a specialized postoperative care unit for these complex procedures.
More board-certified head and neck surgical specialists than any other South Florida provider. Our team offers advanced, simplified surgery solutions. In the majority of cases requiring reconstruction, you have just one operation for cancer removal and any reconstructive surgery. Sylvester is one of the best places in the country for simultaneous head and neck cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
Greater access to the latest treatments. Clinical trials that focus on robotic surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and reducing radiation toxicity are often available for head and neck cancer patients. Your access to treatments that are not available elsewhere give you the best chance for the best treatment outcomes.
Advanced expertise in surgical techniques. Sylvester is one of the best places in the country for simultaneous cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction. In the majority of cases requiring reconstruction, you have one operation to remove the tumor and to rebuild what you lost.
The best surgical approach for your HPV cancer. Sylvester participates in the ECOG Protocol for treatment of HPV oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer using robotics, providing the least invasive surgical approach with shorter recovery times and less pain.