Head & Neck Surgery and Cancer Care

Our board-certified physicians treat both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors of the head and neck. Treatment of these types of tumors is complicated with special attention to preserve function of the head and neck.  Our ENT surgeons are uniquely trained and experienced in the diagnosis and removal of tumors of the ear, nose, and throat and the other structures of the head and neck, including thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary gland tumors. 

​Non-cancerous lesions and tumors of the head and neck

The head and neck include some of our body's most vital organs, which can be especially susceptible to tumors (benign and malignant).  In addition to cancers of the head and neck, the ENT specialists at Proliance South Seattle Otolaryngology treat benign and congenital neck masses, Grave's disease, and more.

• Chronic and acute infections of salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, lingual)
• Salivary gland stone(s)
• Salivary gland tumor(s)
• Enlarged lymph node(s)
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Benign lesions of the mouth and lips
• Salivary gland tumor
• Thyroid goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
• Thyroid nodule
• Parathyroid adenoma
• Congenital cysts - branchial cleft, thyroglossal duct, otogenic (ear)
• Neural tumors - neuromas, schwannomas
• Bell's Palsy

Cancerous lesions and tumors of the head and neck

Head and neck cancer treatment starts with diagnosis that generally involves a biopsy, which is performed either in the office or diagnostic surgical procedure. Once there is confirmation of cancer, additional testing generally involves further diagnostic exams, imaging (including CT scan, PET scan, MRI) and a referral to other cancer specialists including radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and swallowing and speech therapists.  Treatment recommendations can range from surgery, surgery followed by radiation therapy, combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery, or radiation therapy alone.  This is dependent on the type of cancer that you have as well as your overall health.  It is our goal to maximize the potential for a cure while minimizing treatment side effects.

• Head and neck cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Nasal and sinus cancer
• Skin cancer of the head and neck
  
• Reconstruction of the head and neck after cancer surgery