Head and neck cancer care

Getting a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming; knowing you’ll get expert care and extensive support can help. Our head and neck cancer team treats more patients than anywhere else in the region, adding up to a depth of experience you can trust.

Make an appointmentCall 800-789-7366
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Excellence in head and neck cancer care at Penn Medicine

Established in 1991, our head and neck cancer program is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. A team of specialists works together to provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. We collaborate with you and other Penn Medicine specialists to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Rest assured, you’ll receive innovative and effective therapies. Penn Medicine experts in both cancer care and ear, nose, and throat care use the most advanced techniques, many of which were pioneered here. Our team developed and perfected transoral robotic surgery, the world’s first minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove mouth and throat tumors. We also oversee one of the largest clinical trial programs in the country, bringing you access to new and promising treatments.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

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Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

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Support services

Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.

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Head and neck cancers we treat

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

Our approach to head and neck oncology

Our head and neck cancer specialists offer advanced care with compassion. We have the skills, experience, and resources to deliver effective, leading-edge therapies. Our approach to care includes:

Innovative head and neck cancer treatment

As an academic medical center, we offer access to the latest and most advanced treatments available for head and neck cancer. Penn physicians developed transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and we have performed more TORS procedures than any other program worldwide.

The revolutionary TORS approach enables our surgeons to access areas of the throat that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery. We can remove mouth and throat tumors without making any external incisions and with minimal effects on your quality of life. Using TORS, we can preserve your speech and ability to swallow with faster healing, less pain, and lower complication rates. We also developed technology that makes tumors “glow,” offering extreme precision and accuracy when operating on tumors.

Your care plan depends on multiple factors, including the cancer type, stage, potential treatment side effects, and your overall health. We help you find the most effective treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical.

Immunotherapy
This treatment boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells.
Thyroidectomy
This procedure removes the thyroid gland to treat thyroid cancer, thyroid conditions, or goiters.
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses strong medicines to target and eliminate cancer cells and to prevent their spread.
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive surgery to treat mouth and throat conditions.
Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Facial plastic and reconstruction surgery
Facial plastic and reconstruction surgery

Center for Head and Neck Cancer

The Center for Head and Neck Cancer, located within the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, is a collaboration between our ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and cancer experts. Our team is among the largest and most experienced on the East Coast and works together to offer coordinated, effective treatment for all types of head and neck cancers. Here, you’ll not only have access to the most advanced treatment options, but also the surgeons who pioneered them.

HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer Translational Center of Excellence (TCE)

At Penn Medicine, we’re looking for new and better ways to treat head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer is one of the most common HPV-related cancers. However, current standard treatments can cause long-term side effects.

Our physician-scientists are working to identify HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer biomarkers. Biomarkers give us more information about the characteristics of a cancer and how well it may respond to certain treatments. With this information, we aim to:

  • Identify patients who have an increased risk of cancer returning
  • Maintain high cancer cure rates
  • Personalize cancer treatment to find the most effective therapies
  • Reduce the intensity of cancer treatment when less invasive treatments would be effective

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.
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Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

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Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

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Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.

Make an appointmentCall 800-789-7366