Head & Neck Surgery Cancer Program
The UCSF Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Program provides comprehensive, world-class care for people with head and neck tumors. These tumors can affect key functions such as breathing, speech, sight and swallowing, as well as appearance. We are committed to providing the most advanced and personalized care to protect both our patients' health and their quality of life. We're equally committed to providing an accessible, caring and informative environment that supports patients before, during and after treatment.
Our team includes head and neck surgeons, otolaryngologists, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons and speech language pathologists. When needed, we partner with radiation and medical oncologists, dental oncologists, nutritionists and many other types of specialists at UCSF to give our patients the best possible outcomes.
We harness cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques that can make surgery safer and recovery easier. Examples include in-office ultrasound for surveillance and for planning surgical procedures; minimally invasive TORS (transoral robotic surgery) and other endoscopic laser tools for removing tumors from hard-to-reach areas of the throat; and minimally invasive skull base surgery, which uses endoscopes inserted through small incisions or through the nose. For people who are not good candidates for a minimally invasive approach, we also offer traditional open surgery.
Speech and swallowing rehabilitation
Difficulties with speech or swallowing are common challenges for our patients. After treatment, we perform comprehensive assessments, using technology such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) tests and modified barium swallow studies. Our speech and swallowing specialists follow up with personalized rehabilitation programs.
Dental oncology
The UCSF Dental Oncology Program provides comprehensive oral health care tailored to the unique needs of people with head and neck cancers. This service is available only to patients of the Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Program.
Our services include:
- Evaluations and consultations
- Preventive care
- Urgent care
- Dental surgery, including replacement of missing teeth
- Treatment for trismus, also called lockjaw
Current patients can reach the Dental Oncology Program at (415) 476-9800.
Our locations (2)
Our team
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Patrick Ha
MD
Otolaryngologist head and neck surgeon -
Ivan H. El-Sayed
MD
Otolaryngologist head and neck surgeon -
Jonathan R. George
MD, MPH
Otolaryngologist head and neck surgeon -
Christine Glastonbury
MBBS
Neuroradiologist -
Chase M. Heaton
MD
Head and neck and reconstructive surgeon -
P. Daniel Knott
MD, FACS
Facial plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon -
Ilya Likhterov
MD
Head and neck surgeon -
Andrea Park
MD
Facial plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon -
William R. Ryan
MD, FACS
Otolaryngologist head and neck surgeon -
Mary Jue Xu
MD
Otolaryngologist and reconstructive surgeon -
Lois Chen
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Cara Evans
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Desi Gutierrez
CCC-SLP, MA
Speech-language pathologist -
Christian McNeill
PA-C
Physician assistant -
Brittany Mitchell
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Tiffany Pong
PA-C, MS
Physician assistant -
Nicole Rinne
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Teddy Scheel
LCSW, MPH
Social worker -
Sarah L. Schneider
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Jennifer Grace Seither
NP, MSN
Nurse practitioner -
Trina M. Sheedy
PA
Physician assistant -
Erik Steele
CCC-SLP, MA
Speech-language pathologist -
Sky T. Yang
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist -
Changchang Yao
CCC-SLP, MS
Speech-language pathologist
U.S. News rankings
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
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One of the nation's best for ear, nose & throat care
Accreditations & memberships
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National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
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Commission on Cancer
UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics
Our research initiatives
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UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
