Head and neck cancers include many different cancers that begin in the organs and tissues of the head and neck. These include cancers of the larynx (voice box), throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Most types begin in squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck — areas like the mouth, nose, and throat.
Cancers of the head and neck account for a relatively small percentage of all cancers in the United States. If you are at risk, or already diagnosed, our physician-experts are here for you and your family. Sylvester specialists see many more head and neck cancer cases than seen at other hospitals in South Florida. Our experience and expertise offer you the best possible outcomes.
Specialists at Sylvester and the University of Miami Health System treat pituitary and thyroid cancers (endocrine cancers), skin cancers, head and neck sarcomas and esophageal cancers.
Conditions and Treatments
- Head and Neck Endocrine Cancers (Thyroid, Parathyroid, Pituitary)
- Head and Neck Lymphomas
- Head and Neck Sarcomas
- Hypopharyngeal Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer (Larynx or Voice Box)
- Lip and Oral Cavity (Mouth) Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer (Nose and Sinuses)
- Salivary Gland Cancer
- Skin Cancers
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. We have experts covering every aspect of your head and neck care. 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.
One of the best multidisciplinary speech and swallowing rehabilitation programs in the country. If you undergo surgery affecting your jaw, face and/or neck, you will be personally supported by some of our nation’s top experts to restore your quality of life.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Our leading edge technology offers crystal clear tumor targeting, improved results, and less potential damage to nearby healthy tissue. These tools include RapidArc® intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), ViewRay MRI-guided radiation therapy (one of only five in the country), and a Siemens 4D-CT scanner.
Radiation re-treatment expertise for recurrent head/neck tumors. Re-treatment is a complex process that may follow surgery for recurrence (when cancer grows back). Radiation re-treatment may also be offered if surgery is not feasible. Few other South Florida providers offer these options.
Clinical trials that focus on robotic surgery, chemotherapy, reducing radiation toxicity and immunotherapy are often available for head and neck cancer patients. You get new treatments that are not available elsewhere: Your access to trials that match your specific cancer gives you the best chance for the best treatment outcomes.
The only designated Cancer Center of Excellence in South Florida. We treat cancer and only cancer, giving you the best potential outcomes. The likelihood of surviving cancer after five years at a Dedicated Cancer Center is 17 percent higher than at other hospitals.
Multidisciplinary care teams with nationally recognized expertise. Your care team is made up of experts in your exact type of cancer, and every single aspect of it and your doctors talk to each other.