How do I find a Head and Neck Cancer specialist or center of excellence

Finding a Head and Neck Cancer Specialist or Center of Excellence

Finding the right specialist and treatment center is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your head and neck cancer care. Here's how to approach this systematically:

NCCN Member Institutions (Recommended Starting Point)

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network maintains a directory of member institutions that specialize in cancer care, including head and neck cancers.

You can find NCCN Member Institutions at: https://www.nccn.org/home/member-institutions

These centers meet rigorous standards for:

• Multidisciplinary team expertise (surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists)
• Access to clinical trials
• Advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies
• Supportive care services

What to Look For in a Head and Neck Cancer Center

Based on NCCN Guidelines, a quality head and neck cancer program should offer:

Multidisciplinary Team Services:

• Head and neck surgical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Pathologists with head and neck expertise
• Supportive care specialists

Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities:

• Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT)
• Endoscopy with biopsy capabilities
• Biomarker testing (p16/HPV testing for oropharyngeal cancers, PD-L1 testing)
• Pathology review expertise

Supportive Services (Critical for Head and Neck Cancer):

• Nutrition counseling and management
• Speech and swallowing (speech-language pathology) evaluation and therapy
• Dental/prosthodontic evaluation
• Audiogram services
• Smoking cessation programs
• Mental health/distress screening and support

How to Verify Specialist Credentials

Board Certification:

• Look for physicians certified by the American Board of Surgery (head and neck surgical oncology)
• Verify certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) at www.abms.org

Experience Level:

• Ask how many head and neck cancer cases they treat annually
• Ask about their specific experience with your cancer type (oropharyngeal, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, etc.)
• Ask about outcomes data if available

Additional Resources

American Cancer Society:

• Offers a "Find Support and Treatment" tool at cancer.org
• Can help connect you with accredited cancer programs

Cancer Centers Designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI):

• Visit cancer.gov to find NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers
• These centers meet high standards for research and patient care

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO):

• ASCO.org has a "Find an Oncologist" tool
• Helps locate medical oncologists with head and neck cancer expertise

Questions to Ask When Contacting a Center

1. "Are you an NCCN Member Institution or NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center?"
2. "How many head and neck cancer patients do you treat annually?"
3. "Do you have a multidisciplinary tumor board that reviews cases?" (This means your case will be discussed by multiple specialists together)
4. "What biomarker testing do you perform?" (Important for treatment planning)
5. "Do you offer clinical trials for my cancer type?"
6. "What supportive services do you provide?" (Especially nutrition, speech therapy, and swallowing support)
7. "Can I get a second opinion review of my pathology and imaging?"

Special Considerations for Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are complex because treatment affects critical functions like swallowing, speech, and breathing. According to NCCN Guidelines, you should specifically ask about:

• Larynx-preserving (conservation) options if applicable to your stage
• Speech and swallowing rehabilitation programs
• Dental care before treatment (radiation can affect teeth and jaw)
• Smoking cessation support (critical for outcomes)

If You're in a Rural Area or Have Limited Access

• Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to the nearest NCCN Member Institution
• Many centers offer telemedicine consultations for second opinions
• Consider whether travel for treatment at a specialized center is feasible
• Ask about tumor boards at your local hospital that may include specialists from larger centers

Getting a Second Opinion

This is strongly recommended for head and neck cancer. You can:

• Request your pathology slides and imaging be reviewed at another center
• Have your treatment plan reviewed by specialists at an NCCN Member Institution
• Most insurance plans cover second opinion consultations

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.