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The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Team

Meet Our Specialists

Our specialists offer a wide array of medical expertise as part of your care team.

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery

Our cancer surgeons are experts in the removal of benign and cancerous tumors in the head and neck. Learn more about each surgeon, including their innovative research and areas of expertise: 

  • David W. Eisele MD

    • Andelot Professor of Laryngology and Otology
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Carole Fakhry MD

    • Director, Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Cancer Center
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Christine Gourin MD

    • Vice Chair, Safety, Quality and Service, Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Wayne Martin Koch MD

    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Leila J. Mady MD PhD MPH

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Wojtek Mydlarz MD

    • Director, Head and Neck Surgery - National Capitol Region
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

 

Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery

Head and neck endocrine surgeons specialize in the removal of tumors on the thyroid and parathyroid including their research and surgical approaches. Learn more about each surgeon, including their research and surgical offerings:

  • Vaninder Dhillon MD

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Jon Russell MD

    • Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Laryngeal Surgery

Laryngologists specialize in the endoscopic removal of laryngeal tumors — they have a specific interest in voice and swallowing. Learn more about our voice and swallowing specialists:

  • Lee M. Akst MD

    • Director of the Johns Hopkins Voice Center
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Simon R. Best MD

    • Director, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Alexander Tell Hillel MD

    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Neuro-otology, Lateral Skull Base

Head and neck cancer often requires the expertise of otologists and lateral skull base surgeons, some of whom participate in the head and neck center. 

Reconstructive Surgery

Once the head and neck cancer has been addressed, you may require reconstructive surgery. Our facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly specialized in the appearance and function of the head and neck, face and throat. Learn more about our reconstructive surgeons and their innovative techniques to restore function after surgery to remove the cancer: 

Anterior Skull Base and Surgery 

Rhinologists and skull base surgeons are experts in tumors of the nose and sinuses as well as approaching tumors of the skull base through the nose. They work closely with neurosurgeons who are also part of the Head and Neck Center. When head and neck cancer affects these areas, you may benefit from their care. Learn more about our team: 

  • Gary L. Gallia MD PhD

    • Surgical Director of the Pituitary Center
    • Professor of Neurosurgery

  • Masaru Ishii MD PhD

    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Nyall R. London MD PhD

    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Raj Mukherjee MD MPH

    • Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

  • Murugappan Ramanathan MD

    • Vice Director of Clinical Operations
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Nicholas R. Rowan MD

    • Clinic Director, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center – Green Spring Station
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncologists work closely with surgeons to determine which patients need radiation therapy. They treat tumors with radiation and share in the surveillance of these patients.

  • Ana Ponce Kiess MD PhD

    • Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences

  • Brandi R. Page MD

    • Associate Residency Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    • Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences

  • Harry Quon MD MS

    • Co-Director, Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic
    • Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences

Medical Oncology

Treatment that requires chemotherapy is coordinated by a medical oncologists. Our medical oncologists work collaboratively with your surgeon to deliver exemplary care. Learn more: 

 

Head and Neck Oncologic, Endocrine, Reconstructive Nursing, and Advanced Practitioners

Our nurses understand the complexity and care needed during head and neck treatment to ensure you are receiving superb care on all levels. 

  • Jackie Cassidy, R.N.

  • Clarissa Ejanda, R.N.

  • Brooke Ramsel, R.N.

  • Jaylon Garrett, C.R.N.P.

  • Laurie Turner, R.N., M.S.N., C.O.R.L.N.

  • Aly Stolba, R.N.

  • Carol Maragos, C.R.N.P., C.N.O.R.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry

Head and neck cancer care may affect the teeth and surrounding structures. Our dentists and maxillofacial surgeons work closely with your care team to make sure your dental health is managed throughout your care journey. Learn more about dental team: 

  • Alexander Daniel DDS

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Juan R. Garcia MA

    • Director, Facial Prosthetics Clinic, Department of Art as Applied to Medicine
    • Associate Professor of Art as Applied to Medicine

  • Robin Yang MD DDS

    • Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
    • Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Neuroradiology

Our neuroradiologists are physicians specialized in interpreting diagnostic imaging of head and neck cancer, including CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound. Some also perform deep neck and transfacial image-guided biopsies. Learn more about our radiologists:

Endocrinology

Head and neck cancer may require support from an endocrinologist. Learn more about our team: 

Palliative Medicine

Our palliative medicine specialists provide dedicated support to people living with cancer through a focus on pain management, symptom relief, and improved quality of life. Learn more:

Tom J. Smith MD

  • The Harry J. Duffey Family Professor of Palliative Medicine
  • Professor of Oncology

Speech Language Pathology

Our speech language pathologists work in conjunction with your care team to evaluate and treat swallowing and speech disorders. Learn more about our team:

Pathology

Our pathologists interpret biopsies and surgical tissue to diagnose and stage head and neck cancers. Providing diagnostic testing to identify and categorize your specific cancer and care needs.

Lisa Rooper MD

  • Acting Director of Surgical Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Associate Professor of Pathology