Head and Neck Cancer
Since the incidence of head and neck tumors is twice the national average in our region, the Head and Neck Cancer Program is an important part of Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Each new patient is evaluated by the appropriate surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and then a treatment plan is recommended to the patient and referring physician. This multidisciplinary coordination is more convenient for patients. It also makes physician consultation planning and disease management decisions more effective.
Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Team
Highlights:
Video: Oral Cancer Removal and Palate Reconstruction - May 9, 2008
See the video of Dr. Dale Browne and his patient, Shelly Brown after her successful cancer removal and tongue reconstruction.
Ms. Brown is a young woman who lost half of her tongue to cancer, but has recovered and now sings in her church choir.
http://www1.wfubmc.edu/pr/HeadNeckCancerScreen_WXII-0408.wmv
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Head and Neck Cancer Clinic |
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The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic is typically the point of entry for head and neck cancer evaluation and management at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Video |
Oral Cancer Removal and Palate Reconstruction Webcast
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VIEW WEBCAST
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Patients undergoing surgery for removal of cancer from the mouth often have large openings in the palate (roof of the mouth) where the cancer had been, leaving them unable to eat, drink or speak normally unless the defect is somehow repaired.
One solution is the surgical reassignment of a muscle normally used for chewing to fill the space left in the palate, a procedure that has been advanced at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and has produced excellent results for head and neck cancer patients. |
Innovative Surgery Allows for Normal Life
Five years ago, Sandra Scott was facing cancer surgery that would remove a large part of her palate, with the possibility that she would be unable to eat, drink or speak normally unless the resulting opening could be successfully repaired.
Excellent Outcomes with Palate Reconstruction Surgery
The use of the temporalis muscle to fill defects in the palate left by tumor resection has produced excellent outcomes for patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction procedures at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.