Specialties & Services

Head and Neck Cancer

At BJC HealthCare, our head and neck cancer specialists use the latest minimally invasive treatments to remove tumors while minimizing effects on your appearance and maximizing your quality of life. We also focus on preserving vital functions such as talking, chewing, and swallowing.

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Why choose us for head and neck cancer?

People from across the region turn to us for our expertise in head and neck tumors. Our capabilities are backed by innovative research and clinical trials, ensuring we’re always working on bringing new treatments to our patients. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, along with its five satellite locations, brings excellent head and neck cancer care close to home. 

In addition to Siteman locations, BJC HealthCare offers comprehensive and convenient care in locations across the region. Our Missouri Baptist Medical Center program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). 

We combine a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, research, and clinical excellence in locations designed by patients, doctors, and nurses. Decades of experience has taught us that when treating cancer, comfort and compassion are just as important as the science of medicine.

At BJC HealthCare, you’ll find: 

  • Nationally recognized expertise: Siteman Cancer Center is ranked among the best in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri and southern Illinois.
  • Head and neck cancer tumor boards: Our team-based approach means you receive seamlessly coordinated care from leaders in surgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat care), radiation therapy, medical oncology, pathology, and imaging.
  • Minimally invasive surgery: We routinely perform surgery using transoral endoscopic and robotic techniques. By removing tumors through your mouth, we avoid large incisions and visible scars. This approach also minimizes damage to healthy tissue and nerves in your mouth and throat.
  • High volumes, excellent outcomes: Our head and neck cancer specialists at Siteman Cancer Center see more cases than any other team in the region, with over 8,000 patient visits per year. This high level of experience translates to fewer complications and hospital readmissions—and better outcomes overall. 
Head and Neck Cancer doctors at Siteman

The Siteman approach to head and neck cancer

The Head and Neck Tumor Center located at the WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital is where Siteman Cancer Center specialists see more patients than any other team in the region. They are experts at removing and treating tumors while preserving their patients’ appearance and restoring their quality of life.

How is head and neck cancer treated?

We draw on a broad range of head and neck cancer treatments to tailor care to your needs. We recommend the least invasive approach possible to minimize visual and functional side effects. 

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS)

 TORS allows us to remove throat tumors through your mouth instead of through a large incision. During this minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon uses a computerized control panel to move one or more robotic arms. The robotic arms help your surgeon operate on hard-to-reach throat tumors with exceptional accuracy and precision.

Transoral laser microsurgery

Transoral laser microsurgery is a treatment for early-stage tumors in your larynx and oropharynx (middle throat). Your surgeon points a tiny laser through your mouth and into your throat. They use the high-energy light from the laser to cut tumors away from surrounding healthy tissue. This technique helps preserve the structures you need for speaking and swallowing.

Scarless thyroid surgery

 Our endoscopic approach to thyroid and parathyroid gland removal is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery. We operate through tiny incisions inside your lower lip, so there’s no visible scar on your neck. ENT and endocrine surgeons work together to select the right candidates for this innovative procedure.

Head and neck reconstructive surgery

Our unique blend of surgical and reconstructive capabilities means we can often remove cancer and rebuild areas of your head and face in the same procedure. We use the most advanced reconstructive techniques, including: 

  • Free tissue transfer: We use skin, bone, or tissue from another part of your body to rebuild your jaw or other facial structures.
  • Nerve or muscle transfers: We may use nerve or muscle grafts to improve facial paralysis (loss of movement in your face due to nerve damage) after cancer surgery. This treatment gives you more control over facial expressions, such as smiling.
  • Prosthodontics: We offer customized artificial replacements for your teeth, jaw, and parts of your mouth affected by cancer treatment. We’re a regional leader in maxillofacial prosthodontics and offer a full range of facial prosthetics for the ears, eyes, and nose.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses powerful beams of energy to destroy cancer. We use the latest radiation techniques to precisely target tumors and spare healthy tissue. Our radiation therapists specialize in intensity-modulated radiation therapy, proton beam therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. We plan radiation with a focus on minimizing side effects and preserving your quality of life.
  • Medical therapy: If you have head or neck cancer that has spread to other parts of your body or cancer that has returned after treatment, you may need medical therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

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