Head and Neck Cancer

    Overview

    Symptoms include any abnormalities in the patient's mouth, sinuses, nose, or throat and include a sore or lump that doesn't heal, a persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, and changes in the voice.

    Head & Neck Cancer Clinic

    Head and neck cancer is treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts at Simmons Cancer Institute's Head and Neck Cancer Clinic.
    Treatment options include either one or more of the following, depending on the cancer:
         - Surgery
         - Radiation therapy
         - Chemotherapy
         - Targeted therapy and immunotherapy

    What to expect

    When seen in the clinic, patients may undergo flexible laryngoscopy, which is a painless procedure to examine the throat using a scope passed through the nose. If a biopsy has not already been performed, this may be performed in clinic using local anesthetic (numbing medication).

    Every head and neck cancer patient is discussed at the multidisciplinary tumor board, which includes our cancer experts who specialize in head and neck cancer. After this discussion, our team will discuss treatment recommendations with the patient.

    Our providers

    Profiles

    Waqas Azhar, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Cancer Care
    315 W. Carpenter St. Springfield, IL 62702
    Profiles

    Brette Harding, MD

    Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon (ENT) Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
    720 N. Bond Street Springfield , IL 62702
    Profiles

    Mohammad Hussain, MD

    Hematologist/Oncologist Cancer Care
    315 W. Carpenter St. Springfield, IL 62702
    Profiles

    Krishna Rao, MD

    Oncologist Cancer Care
    315 W. Carpenter St. 1st Floor Clinic B Springfield, IL 62702
    Profiles

    Lindsey Shehee, MD

    Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon (ENT) Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
    720 N. Bond Street Springfield , IL 62702
    Profiles

    Jimmy Winters, MD

    Plastic Surgeon Plastic Surgery
    747 N. Rutledge Street 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62702

    Why SIU

    Continually learning

    With a focus on continual improvement, our doctors take the time to research, study and innovate to provide the latest treatments for our patients.

    Patient-first experience

    Our care ranges from primary care physicians to specialists and sub-specialists who have advanced training. We're here for you when you need us.

    Breakthrough tech

    Continually teaching the next generation of doctors, our physicians use the latest developments in procedures and technologies for our patients.