CancerOtolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Clinic

(415) 885-7528

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

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    Conditions we treat

    Our team

    Decorative Caduceus

    Tavo With Electroporation, Pembrolizumab, and Epacadostat in Patients With Unresectable Head an...

    This phase II trial studies how well tavokinogene telseplasmid with electroporation, pembrolizumab, and epacadostat work in treating patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that cannot be removed b...

    Recruiting

    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Best hospital in Northern California

    • n8-2x

      Ranked No. 12 in the nation for cancer care

    • n7-2x

      Ranked No. 13 in the nation for ear, nose and throat care

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Patient and Family Cancer Support Center

    You'll find support groups, classes, a library, treatment information, special events and much more to promote wellness and healing for patients and families.

    Fitness

    Core and More Class

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Gift Shop

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Fitness

    Healing Through Dance Class

    Use movement, expression, imagery and creativity to enhance your own healing. Open to all cancer patients (including non-UCSF) and their caregivers.

    Class

    Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers can be key members of your cancer care team. Reach out for support, problem solving and help accessing UCSF's many cancer-related resources.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Program for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Patient Resource

    Psycho-Oncology

    The Psycho-Oncology program offers emotional and supportive care to patients of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and their families.

    Fitness

    Restorative Movement Class

    Explore simple movements that help you feel more powerful and comfortable in your body. This fun and free UCSF class is aimed at those in recovery from cancer.

    Patient Resource

    Spa Infusion

    Pamper yourself while fighting cancer. Free treatments for patients receiving chemotherapy at our Mount Zion campus include massage, acupressure and more.

    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.

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    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.

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    Hospital Stays

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

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    10 ways to get the most from your doctor visit

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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    Preparing for your appointment

    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

    Guides and forms

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    Our research initiatives

    • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

      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.

      Learn more

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

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