The Head and Neck Cancer Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treating patients. Patients have access to the world-class care available throughout Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
In addition to cancer diagnosis and treatment, we also offer nutritional guidance, palliative care support, and more. Our staff will gladly help to coordinate referrals to clinicians whose services supplement and support the whole person during and after head and neck cancer treatment.
Physician Consultations
Our physician team is comprised of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists who specialize in the treatment of head and neck cancers. We are proud to help people with these diseases achieve the best possible health outcomes, either by serving as your primary care team or providing a second opinion.
Surgery
The highly skilled head and neck surgeons within our Program focus on minimally invasive procedures that aim to effectively treat disease and preserve patient quality of life. We offer a full range of operations, from reconstructive plastic surgery to skull base surgery, the removal of difficult-to-access tumors on the underside of the brain.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation, alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, is among the main treatments for head and neck cancer. Located within Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian’s state-of-the-art David H. Koch Center, our radiation oncology team utilizes the most advanced available radiation technology to facilitate the precise delivery of radiation to head and neck tumor cells.
Medical Oncology
Our medical oncologists are experts in the diagnosis and management of head and neck cancers, equipped to offer standard chemotherapy, as well as the latest immunotherapies. In close collaboration with colleagues in radiation oncology, surgery and a variety of other complementary disciplines, we work to determine and deliver optimal care for tumors of the head and neck.
Pathology
Accurate diagnosis of head and neck cancer is crucial to informing proper disease management. Our pathologists help facilitate accurate diagnosis through expert analysis of thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal specimens; head and neck tissue specimens; and salivary gland tumors.
Dental Oncology
Dental health is commonly impacted by head and neck cancer and its treatment. Our patients have access to specialized dental oncology services that can help manage complications that may arise due to chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Voice and Speech Therapy
Head and neck cancer and its treatment may lead patients to experience changes in the way that they speak, breathe and swallow. Our speech and language pathologists have expertise in helping patients navigate dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and provide objective swallow tests such as Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBS) and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES). We are also highly experienced in the management of dysarthria (speech difficulties), dysphonia (difficulty producing a voice) and alaryngeal speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy (partial or total removal of the voice box). To learn more about these services, please call 646-962-2231.
Nutrition
Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s certified dietitians and nutritionists can provide nutrition therapy tailored to head and neck cancer patients to help ensure adequate nourishment and recovery.
Integrative Health
The Integrative Health and Wellbeing program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital takes an individualized, holistic, evidence-based approach to improving patients’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Services such as acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga and mindfulness instruction can offer symptom relief for people with head and neck cancer.
Insurance and Financial Services
Most of our physicians accept major forms of medical insurance. Once one of our physicians outlines a treatment plan, our account administrators can help with any insurance and financial issues, such as verifying insurance coverage, obtaining authorizations, planning for out-of-pocket expenses and setting up a payment plan, if needed.
Hospital Guest Facility
The Guest Facility at the Helmsley Medical Tower is located next-door to Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. This location makes the Guest Facility at the Helmsley Medical Tower ideal accommodations for patients and their families scheduled for early-morning medical tests or hospital visits, or those in need of follow-up attention. The facility is also the answer for people who live out of town and require extended care, or those who want around-the-clock proximity to a hospitalized loved one.