Josephine Ford Cancer Center specialists in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery provide comprehensive care for tumors of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, esophagus, larynx and oral cavity.
The Department annually treats 250 patients, for a total of 2,500 patient visits related to head and neck cancer. Patients seek care at the Josephine Ford Cancer Center for head and neck cancers from all over the country and internationally.
The Josephine Ford Cancer Center Head and Neck Tumor Board is among the oldest in the United States, meeting weekly since 1969 to evaluate patients and plan their treatments. All head and neck tumor patients are reviewed by the Tumor Board, and the patient and family are present for the Head and Neck Clinic.
The interdisciplinary Tumor Board includes specialists in head and neck surgery, radiation and medical oncology, pathology, neuroradiology, oral surgery, nursing, speech pathology and social work. The Board frequently is called on to provide second opinions in unusual, problematic or complex cases referred by community otolaryngologists, dental and oral surgery colleagues.
Often, surgery is the primary treatment for head and neck tumors. Department specialists are experienced in the total range of surgical treatments, including conservation surgery and complex resection and reconstruction.
Radiation therapy via external beam radiation or radiation implants is an integral component of treatment for head and neck tumors, either as primary, induction or adjuvant therapy. The Josephine Ford Cancer Center's radiation oncology program in this subspecialty is among the largest and most experienced in the country. Our program draws patients from all over Michigan who are referred here based on the program's long-established reputation.
Medical oncologists collaborate closely with otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists in diagnosis and treatment. In primary tumors, chemotherapy typically is an adjuvant to treatment with radiation or surgery. For recurrent disease, single-modality treatment with conventional chemotherapy and experimental protocols are options.
The Department is supported by a comprehensive backup of ancillary services that includes speech, voice and swallowing therapy, specialized nursing care, social work and home health care. Professionals in these disciplines work closely with patients before and after surgery and throughout rehabilitation.
Research in the Department includes basic research in cancer biology and clinical studies under the auspices of the Southwest Oncology Group. The Josephine Ford Cancer Center is participating in the largest combined epidemiological and genetic study of head and neck cancer, which is exploring genetic predictors of survival and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. We also participate in research to evaluate the outcomes of specific surgical, radiation therapy or combined modality treatment.
Services for head and neck cancer patients are provided at Henry Ford Hospital and at multiple suburban Henry Ford Medical Centers. Comprehensive pre-and post-treatment care, diagnostic procedures and some treatments, including surgery, are available at the suburban medical centers.
For more information on the Josephine Ford Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment, call 1-888-734-JFCC (5322).
