Head & Neck and Endocrine Cancer Program
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we bring clinical excellence, innovation, and deeply personal care to treating head, neck and endocrine cancers. Our physicians are leaders in advanced surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies — all tailored to you. We combine expert guidance with compassionate care, close to home in the Pacific Northwest.
Advanced, Compassionate Care
Head, neck and endocrine cancers can affect some of the body’s most delicate and essential functions — from breathing and speaking to hormone balance. At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, our experts work together to understand the complexity of these cancers and the personal impact they can have on our patients’ lives.
Whether you need minimally invasive surgery, advanced radiation therapy, or targeted treatments that target specific cancer cells, we create a care plan designed specifically for you. Our world-class surgeons, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, and oncologists work together to deliver the most effective treatment while protecting function and quality of life.
Healing goes beyond treating cancer. That’s why we provide comprehensive support services, including speech therapy, nutrition counseling, and reconstructive surgery when needed.
Head & Neck and Endocrine Cancer Conditions We Treat
We provide comprehensive care for head, neck and endocrine cancers, from early-stage and localized tumors to invasive and advanced cancers affecting the head, neck, thyroid, and related glands.
- Adrenal Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Nasal Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Parathyroid Cancer
- Salivary Gland Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Endocrine Tumors
Meet Our Head & Neck and Endocrine Cancer Team
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, you’ll be cared for by a tightly connected group of specialists who bring deep expertise and a personalized approach to treatment, prevention, and long-term wellness. Our head & neck and endocrine cancer experts work collaboratively to support your health through every stage of care.
Testing & Diagnostics
Our head & neck and endocrine cancer specialists use advanced testing and diagnostic tools to accurately identify the type, stage, and unique characteristics of your cancer.
We also offer screenings and genetic testing to promote awareness and early detection of head, neck, and endocrine cancer.
A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample to determine whether cancer cells are present. It’s a common and reliable diagnostic method used to determine the presence of cancer cells. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used to remove a small sample of tissue or fluid. A core needle biopsy removes a slightly larger tissue sample, and a surgical biopsy may be needed if a larger sample is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Genetic and genomic testing analyzes your DNA and the genetic makeup of your tumor to identify what may be causing your cancer. These insights help your care team tailor treatments specifically to your cancer’s unique profile, potentially improving outcomes and offering targeted therapy options.
Different types of imaging may be recommended based on the suspected type and location of the tumor. MRI uses radio frequency waves and a magnetic field to create detailed images of organs and tissues. PET/CT scans combine two types of imaging to show both the structure and function of tissues. X-rays are used to evaluate suspected cancer in bones, tissues, and organs, providing a fast, effective view of abnormalities. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of the body's internal organs.
NavDx is a cutting-edge, non-invasive blood test that detects circulating tumor-related DNA, specifically for head and neck cancers caused by HPV. It allows your care team to monitor the presence of cancer cells during and after treatment, helping to assess treatment effectiveness and detect potential recurrence earlier.
Pathology involves the detailed examination of tissue samples under a microscope to confirm a cancer diagnosis and identify specific tumor characteristics. Our expert pathologists provide critical information about the type and stage of cancer, guiding your care team in creating a personalized treatment plan.
Advanced Treatments for Head & Neck and Endocrine Cancers
The most effective treatment plan is one personalized for you and targeted to the unique characteristics of your tumor. Depending on your condition, you may receive one or more of the following treatments:
Available Options for Clinical Trials and Research
We're committed to furthering cancer research because we're committed to finding you the best treatment. Your care team will proactively tell you about any of the ongoing clinical trials that might be a fit for your treatment plan.
Awards & Accreditations
The Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is nationally recognized for excellence in cancer care, research, and patient outcomes. Our dedication to advancing cancer treatment has earned accreditations and distinctions from some of the most respected institutions in the country.
American College of Radiology (ACR) - Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence
American College of Surgeons (ACS) - Commission on Cancer Accredited Program
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) - Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx)
Patient Resources & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Your treatment team may include board-certified surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, otolaryngologists, and endocrinologists who work together to provide expert, comprehensive care for head, neck or endocrine cancers.
Our multidisciplinary team also includes oncology nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other cancer experts who support you throughout your care. Your physicians work closely together — participating in cross-departmental tumor boards with other Providence Swedish specialists — to create a treatment plan tailored to you. Although your care is team-based, you’ll continue to have regular appointments with your lead physician, who stays closely involved and helps coordinate your treatment every step of the way.
Your treatment is unique to your diagnosis and needs. It may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, in addition to ongoing supportive care services.
Your team walks you through each step, helping you manage side effects and access resources like nutrition counseling, social services, and survivorship programs. Our goal is always to ensure you feel supported throughout your care.
Learn more details about all the available treatments for head & neck and endocrine cancer, and what to expect during your treatment.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
Patients have access to hundreds of clinical trials involving most cancer types. We are often among the first in the U.S. to provide access to Phase 1 trials — the first stage of evaluating treatments in humans. Please note, we open new trials often. Check with your clinician for the latest in upcoming trials.
Learn more and find out if a clinical trial could become part of your treatment plan.
If you're feeling unsure about your pathology report – which explains details like the type, size, and stage of your cancer based on lab results – our team is here to help.
We will walk you through the report, answering questions so that you feel informed and confident about your diagnosis and treatment options.
Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’ve already been diagnosed somewhere else, we’re here to help you take the next step. Call 855-XCANCER, 855-922-6237 - our care coordinators will match you with the right cancer specialist and help schedule your visit. They can also work with your current physician to collect your medical records and test results.
Our goal is to help you understand the insurance and billing process.
We have financial counselors on staff to help you sort out any insurance issues. These counselors work with your insurance company to verify benefits and coordinate pre-certification or pre-authorization of care if necessary. Then, they coordinate all this information with the medical center’s billing services.
We also have oncology social workers who can help you with:
- Benefits advocacy, if you are eligible
- Financial counseling
- Medicaid applications
- Medicare and coordinating Medigap and prescription plans
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of each person we serve. A crucial part of fulfilling this mission is our financial assistance program.
This program offers free or discounted services for those who cannot afford care, are underinsured, or have no insurance at all. We provide financial assistance in cases where annual family income is between zero and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, helping ensure that financial constraints aren’t a barrier to receiving medically necessary care.
News & Info From Our Experts
