
Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Clinic
The UCSF Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Clinic 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.
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.
Our locations
Our team
Clinical trials
Tavo With Electroporation, Pembrolizumab, and Epacadostat in Patients With Unresectable Head an...
The best overall response (BORR) is the best response recorded from the start of treatment until disease progression/recurrence (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurement recorded since the treatment sta...
Recruiting
U.S. News rankings
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Best hospital in Northern California
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Best in Northern California in cancer care
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Best in Northern California in ear, nose & throat
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 founding 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

International Services
If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

Interpreters
UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.

Hospital Stays
Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
Zion.

Your Doctor Visit
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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.