Cedars Sinai
Learn more about the Head & Neck Cancer Clinical Trials

State-of-the-art Head & Neck Cancer at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute

Our head and neck cancer oncology program is a multispecialty program that focuses on the expert diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers that occur in the head and neck region. These cancers develop in the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), salivary glands, nasal cavity, sinuses, thyroid gland, and skin of the head and neck. Each type contains significant differences that dictate precision in therapeutic planning and complementary care

The Angeles Clinic consists of physicians dedicated to a multidisciplinary plan from healthcare professionals, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, head and neck surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, speech and swallowing therapists, nutritionists, and other supportive care providers. This team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive and individualized care for patients with head and neck cancers offering a wide range of services, including:

  1. Screening and early detection: programs in place to identify patients at risk for head and neck cancers, and facilitate early detection through regular screenings and examinations.
  2. Diagnostic evaluations: Access to evaluations to diagnose head and neck cancers, which may include imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and biopsies.
  3. Clinical trials: The program may participate in clinical trials to offer eligible patients access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to advancing the field of head and neck oncology.
  4. Treatment planning: Our multidisciplinary team headed by Dr. Justin Moyers reviews each patient's case and develops a personalized treatment plan that may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. We provide chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies as part of the treatment plan, tailored to the specific type and stage of the cancer.
  5. Surgical interventions: Head and neck surgeons perform various surgical procedures, such as tumor removal, reconstructive surgery, and lymph node dissection, using advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures.
  6. Radiation therapy: Radiation oncologists deliver precise radiation therapy using advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
  7. Supportive care: The program may offer supportive care services, such as speech and swallowing therapy, nutrition counseling, pain management, psychosocial support, and survivorship care to help patients manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
  8. Survivorship care: The program provides long-term follow-up care and surveillance for patients who have completed treatment, including monitoring for cancer recurrence and addressing any late effects of treatment.
  9. Education and research: The program is dedicated to educating patients, caregivers, and the community about head and neck cancers, as well as conducting research to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancers.

Our head and neck cancer oncology program typically provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with head and neck cancers, encompassing screening, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical interventions, radiation therapy, medical therapies, supportive care, survivorship care, and education/research initiatives. The goal is to achieve optimal treatment outcomes while addressing the unique functional, cosmetic, and quality of life concerns associated with cancers in the head and neck region.

Or use our secure online appointment request form to schedule an appointment at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute Head and Neck Cancer Care Center in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California.

Oral Cavity Cancer

Nearly a third of all head and neck cancers occur in the mouth which is the area of your head from your lips all the way back to your tonsils. The lining of the mouth is the most common area affected in cancers of the oral cavity.

Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary glands are located just beneath your tongue and are the producers of saliva or “spit” inside your mouth. Though cancer of the salivary glands is rare it does happen occasionally and symptoms include a sensation of a lump, difficulty swallowing, pain at or near the glands, it is also important to consider that not all cases of cancer have symptoms and there may be nothing noticeably wrong in your day-to-day life.

Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity Cancer

The sinus and nasal cavity area of the head is an area where cancer may sometimes develop due to the abnormal growth of cells in that area. The paranasal sinuses normally produce mucus to help keep the nasal cavity moist. The development of cancer in this area is rare and there may or may not be symptoms associated with it.

Pharynx Cancer

The pharynx serves as the structure between the top of the trachea and esophagus running upwards to the nasal cavity. Pharyngeal cancer or cancer of the pharynx is the development of abnormal cells in this area and is frequently associated with the main head and neck cancer risk factors of alcohol and tobacco use.

Laryngeal Cancer

Cancer that develops in the Larynx is known as Laryngeal Cancer and occurs when cells in the area begin to grow abnormally. The larynx or “voice box” as it is commonly referred to is located near the front of the neck and is made up of three parts. An upper section known as the supraglottis, the glottis located in the middle and the subglottis which is the lower portion of the larynx and connects it to the trachea. Though cancer in this area is not as common as other types, when it does occur it most commonly presents itself in the glottis.

Lymph Node Cancer

The lymph system is a construct of fluid filled vessels with checkpoints all over the body known as lymph nodes. This system is designed to help filter out toxins and provide support to the immune system. Lymph node cancer particularly in the neck is significant due to the high concentration of lymph nodes within the neck. Symptoms associated with cancer in this area include pain and swelling of one or multiple lymph nodes in the neck. There are important distinctions between the development of lymph node cancer and lymphoma, your doctor will be able to explain the differences along with your own risk factors based on your presentation and clinical picture.