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Head
and Neck Surgery (and Reconstruction)
Head
and neck surgeons provide surgical treatments for thyroid
and salivary gland disorders, traumatic head injuries,
and head and neck cancer. Loyola University Health System
(Loyola) has been a leader in using minimally invasive
surgical techniques to treat these disorders. Loyola’s
surgeons have been successful in removing even advanced
tumors with endoscopic surgery, by inserting camera
and instruments through small incisions. Patients recover
more quickly, and suffer fewer complications and less
damage to their appearance and quality of life.
Patients
with head and neck cancer are seen in a multidisciplinary
clinic in Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center.
The clinic treats approximately 300 new patients and
logs more than 3,000 patient visits each year. Since
cancers of the head and neck can progress to advanced
stages with only vague, mild symptoms, it is important
for patients to get answers as efficiently as possible.
At the head and neck oncology clinic, patients see multiple
specialists in a single location in a single visit.
The specialists are actively engaged in cancer research,
so patients often have the opportunity to participate
in clinical trials for head and neck cancer.
Surgery
on the head and neck to remove cancer or other lesions
can affect a patient’s appearance and function,
such as facial movement. In these cases, reconstructive
surgery – to regain a natural appearance and improve
quality of life – is an important part of the
treatment plan. Otolaryngologists perform reconstructive
surgery and also collaborate with other surgical specialties
to provide the best results possible for each patient.
For example, through the Cranial Base Surgery Center,
physicians have developed a highly sophisticated technique
to help patients who have lost facial nerves during
cancer treatment to regain facial movement. By using
separate nerve grafts for the upper and lower face,
they can restore a patient’s natural facial expressions.
Locations
and Contacts
A full spectrum of otolaryngology services
is available at:
Loyola
Outpatient Center in Maywood
Oakbrook
Terrace Medical Center
Cardinal
Bernardin Cancer Center
If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance
to find an appropriate physician, please call us at
(888) LUHS-888.
Health
Information
Clinical
trials for head and neck cancer
Related Links
Center
for Cranial Base Surgery brochure (362K) 
Center
for Cranial Base Surgery
Head
and Neck Oncology Clinic
Stritch School of Medicine, Department
of Otolaryngology
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