Head and Neck Cancer Program

At Overlake Cancer Center, we offer the latest treatment options for head and neck cancer. You’ll have access to world-class care and a compassionate team dedicated to you—close to home for families on the Eastside.

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that can affect the mouth, throat, sinuses and other areas of the head and neck. If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with this type of cancer, our team is here for you every step of the way.

Overlake is home to a team of experts with deep experience in treating all types of head and neck cancers. Through our partnership with the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, our patients have access to leading care, advanced treatment options and innovative clinical trials. We’ll create custom care plans tailored to your unique needs and do everything we can to eliminate your cancer and keep it from coming back.

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Head and neck cancers we treat

Our team treats many different types of head and neck cancers, including:

• Oropharynx cancers, which affect the tonsils and base of the tongue.
• Oral (mouth) cancer, including cancer of the lips, gums and tongue.
• Nasal cavity cancer (the area behind the nose).
• Nasopharynx cancer (where the nose and throat connect).
• Salivary gland cancer.
• Sinus cancer.
• Throat (pharynx) cancer.
• Laryngeal (voice box) cancer.

Treatments for head and neck cancer

Your care team will work together to create an individualized treatment plan for the exact type, stage and location of head and neck cancer. Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy medicines that can destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to shrink tumors before surgery, eliminate cancer cells that remain after surgery, or treat tumors that cannot be removed surgically.
• Radiation therapy, which uses beams of high energy to target and destroy cancer cells. 
• Surgery to remove one or more tumors or as much of them as possible. We perform the latest approaches in minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted surgery. These approaches help make procedures as precise as possible and help you recover faster.
• Immunotherapy, which uses a person’s own immune system to fight off cancer.

Advanced treatments and an expert team

At Overlake, you’ll benefit from a team of experts putting their heads together with the goal of giving you the best possible care. Your care team will include ear, nose and throat doctors (ENTs), radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other experts who work together to build and carry out your custom treatment plan.

You’ll also have access to the latest treatment approaches, from minimally invasive surgeries to immunotherapy. This includes clinical trials through our partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center, which give patients access to the latest medicines before they’re widely available.

Our patients often tell us that they are grateful that our doctors are so accessible, and they appreciate being able to easily schedule appointments and get answers from their care team.

Care for every aspect of your health

Our care team knows that cancer treatment can affect every part of your mental and physical health. That’s why we offer a variety of services that aim to make cancer care as easy as possible for you and your family, including:

• Nurse navigators who help you coordinate appointments, get the input you need from each of your doctors and answer any and all questions.
• Oncology nutritionists, who help make sure you get all of the nutrients you need throughout treatment.
• Social workers, who support you and your family through many aspects of cancer care, including mental health and financial support.
• Speech therapists, who help you if you have difficulty with speaking or swallowing.