With campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, Mayo Clinic houses experts in all aspects of head and neck cancer. Doctors in the Head and Neck Cancer Center use the newest and most effective diagnostic options available to ensure you get the optimal diagnosis the first time. With a precise diagnosis, you will work with a Mayo Clinic doctor to review all of your treatment options and determine the treatment that best suits your needs and goals.
- Surgery. Whenever possible, Mayo Clinic surgeons use minimally invasive procedures, such as transoral robotic surgery, endoscopic skull base surgery and transoral laser microsurgery. These procedures not only result in shorter recovery times but also offer significantly better results than do more-traditional approaches.
- Radiation. Depending on your condition, you will have access to advanced radiation therapies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton beam therapy, which is a more precise form of radiation ideal for cancers near other vital organs.
- Chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be indicated to treat your cancer. However, depending on your needs, you may also have access to other drug therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
- Rehabilitation and overall well-being. Mayo Clinic offers expertise in prosthodontics, oral rehabilitation and audiology. Depending on your needs, you may receive speech and swallowing therapy to facilitate rehabilitation before, during and after treatment. Collaborations with complementary medicine and wellness programs also are available.
- Research. For people who would like to explore the cutting edge of treatment options, Mayo Clinic conducts clinical trials using novel therapies. Each trial has strict inclusion criteria, which every participant needs to meet before being enrolled.
Mayo Clinic doctors also provide palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms caused by cancer or cancer treatment. At Mayo Clinic, palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.