Close collaboration exists between clinic otolaryngologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, dentists, oral surgeons and speech pathologists. Clinic otolaryngologists have extensive expertise in every aspect of the surgical treatment for head and neck cancer include conservation surgery, minimally invasive surgery, laser assisted surgical techniques and skull base tumor resection. Clinic plastic surgeons and prosthodontists assist with reconstruction.
Radiation oncologists employ both external beam and brachytherapy approaches.
A current focus of our program in head and neck cancer is the use of multiple treatment modalities including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, early in disease management in an effort to maximize the possibility of organ preservation and improve the long term disease control. A large number of both institutional and national cooperative group clinical trials are currently being conducted at The Cleveland Clinic and medical oncologists are consulted early in disease management to help provide this multidimensional approach for all patients. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has a very extensive experience in the screening, diagnosis and management of esophageal cancer. A Barrett's Esophagus Registry is maintained which helps track patients with this pre malignant esophageal disorder. Participants in this computerized registry are offered appropriate screening for esophageal cancer.