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Head and Neck Oncology
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Program Director:
Abemayor, Elliot M.D., Ph.D
Baker, J. Dennis M.D.
Blackwell, Keith M.D.
Calcaterra, Thomas M.D., F.A.C.S.
Castro, Dan J. M.D.
Kedeshian, Paul A M.D.
Sercarz, Joel A. M.D.
Wang, Marilene B. M.D. F.A.C.S.
Contact Phone Number
(310) 206-6688
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Description of Clinical Program
The UCLA Head and Neck Oncology Program offers comprehensive, specialized care for patients with benign and malignant tumors located between the brain and the clavicle, anterior to the spine, including tumors of the pharynx, larynx, jaw, tongue, thyroid and carotids.
Program Experience
The Head and Neck Oncology Program has sustained a national reputation throughout the 20 years since its inception, particularly with regard to partial laryngeal surgery and mandible-sparing procedures for oral cavity tumors.
Division of Head and Neck Surgery team members offer interdisciplinary specialization in head and neck oncology, reconstructive surgery and laser surgery as well laryngeal physiology and speech therapy. Neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, maxillofacial experts, and radiation oncologists are incorporated into care, as indicated.
Program Approach
Patients referred to the program usually have prima facie evidence of a tumor, either through biopsy or x-ray.
The initial consultation involves a complete voice evaluation by a head and neck surgeon, including
additional diagnostic procedures such as fine needle aspiration, some open biopsies, CT scans, and MRI
studies. Many patients are geographically distant from
UCLA and special arrangements can be made to optimize the patient’s time at UCLA.
Program staff provide consultative services, as well as consultation and treatment, depending on the nature of the referral and the preferences of the referring physician and the patient. Referring physicians receive detailed written reports on clinical findings and treatment recommendations.
Treatment modalities include radiation alone for early lesions, a combination of surgery and radiation, and in some cases, chemotherapy. Clinical trials for chemo preventative agents and emerging surgical techniques are available to appropriate patients.
The program specializes in complex anatomical and functional problems, and excels in reconstructive rehabilitation of patients with functional and cosmetic defects as a result of ablative surgery. Microvascular free flaps and osseointegrated implants are routinely utilized, along with prostheses, to restore patients ability to swallow, speak and chew normally, and to maintain normal appearance.
Post-operative care is closely coordinated with the referring physician and geared towards monitoring the patient for reoccurrence of tumors. Since the head and neck cancer is usually related to smoking and alcohol consumption, patients are counseled with regard to lifestyle changes.
Research Applications
Program research focuses on clinical studies for new drug therapies and surgical innovations. Faculty have expanded the horizons of head and neck resection and internal and external reconstruction. Through research, the discipline has made great strides in surgical techniques that have enabled definitive treatment for previously inoperable tumors. Program research in chemo prevention and laryngeal physiology is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Current research directions are as follows:
· Laser phototherapy for ablation of tumors not amenable to surgical removal
· Laryngeal physiology to facilitate emerging surgical techniques
· Chemo prevention for recurrence of tumors, including the use of natural agents such as retinoids, vitamin A, and other agents that have been shown in vitro to prevent reduplication of cancer cells
Team Members
Elliot Abemayor, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Surgery and
Vice Chief, Division of
Head and Neck Surgery
Gerald S. Berke, M.D.
Professor of Surgery and
Chief, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Thomas C. Calcaterra, M.D.
Professor Surgery,
Division of Head and Neck
Surgery
Dan J. Castro, M.D.
Associate Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Keith S. Blackwell, M.D.
Assistant Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Guy J. E. Juillard, M.D.
Professor and Vice Chair,
Department of Radiation
Oncology
Indications for Referral
Patients with newly diagnosed head and neck tumors are candidates for referral to the UCLA Head and Neck Oncology Program
Contact for Patient Referral
UCLA Head and Neck Oncology Program
(310) 206-6688
If you have any referral problems, or want information about other programs, please the UCLA Physician Helpline, 1-800-UCLA-888.
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