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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 Eisele, M.D.

    • Andelot Professor of Laryngology and Otology
    • Director of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
    • Professor of Oncology

  • Carole Fakhry, M.D., M.P.H.

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

  • Christine Gourin, M.D., M.P.H.

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

  • Wayne Koch, M.D.

    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Oncology

  • Leila Jean Mady, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Wojtek Mydlarz, M.D.

    • Director, Head and Neck Surgery - National Capitol Region
    • Chair, Department of Surgery, Suburban Hospital
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
    • Assistant Professor of Oncology

 

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 Kaur Dhillon, M.D.

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Jonathon Russell, M.D.

    • Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery
    • Director of the Johns Hopkins Multidisciplinary Thyroid Tumor Center
    • Director of Endoscopic and Robotic Thyroid and Parathyroid 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 Akst, M.D.

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

  • Simon Best, M.D.

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

  • Alexander Hillel, M.D.

    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine

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: 

  • Kofi Boahene, M.D.

    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Professor of Art as Applied to Medicine
    • Professor of Dermatology

  • Shaun C. Desai, M.D.

    • Chief of Facial Cosmetic Surgery
    • Co-Fellowship Director, Facial Plastic Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Jason Christopher Nellis, M.D.

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

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 Gallia, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Surgical Director of the Pituitary Center
    • Director of the Neurosurgery Skull Base Center
    • Director of Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
    • Professor of Neurosurgery
    • Professor of Oncology
    • Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Masaru Ishii, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

  • Nyall London JR, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

  • Raj Mukherjee, M.D., M.P.H.

    • Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Assistant Program Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
    • Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
    • Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
    • Associate Professor of Oncology
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Murray Ramanathan Jr., M.D.

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

  • Nicholas Rowan, M.D.

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

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 Kiess, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Oncology

  • Brandi Page, M.D.

    • Associate Residency Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    • Regional Director of Education, Radiation Oncology Residency, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    • Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Harry Quon, M.D., M.S.

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

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 K Daniel, D.D.S.

    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Juan Ramon Garcia, M.A.

    • Director, Facial Prosthetics Clinic, Department of Art as Applied to Medicine
    • Associate Professor of Art as Applied to Medicine
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

  • Robin Yang, D.D.S., M.D.

    • Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
    • Division Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
    • Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck 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:

Thomas J Smith, M.D.

  • The Harry J. Duffey Family Professor of Palliative Medicine
  • Director of Palliative Medicine
  • Professor of Oncology
  • Joint Appointment in Medicine

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:

  • Rina Abrams, M.S.

    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Kristine M. Pietsch, M.A.

    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • Assistant of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

  • Donna Clark Tippett, M.A., M.P.H.

    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    • Associate Professor of Neurology
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

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 Michelle Rooper, M.D.

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