The Head and Neck Surgical Specialty Group

At The Head and Neck Surgical Specialty Group, we focus on providing the highest level of care for patients challenged with a head and neck tumor diagnosis. We are a dedicated team of highly trained head and neck oncologic surgeons, advanced practice providers and office staff who are committed to effective communication, collaboration and individualized care. Our practice is built on a strong foundation of:

• Excellence in surgical expertise: Our team includes the most skilled and experienced head and neck oncologic and reconstruction surgeons. We are driven by an unwavering passion to offer advanced surgical treatments for our patients. We coordinate balanced surgical and non-surgical care delivered in a contemporary interdisciplinary model.
• Open communication and compassionate care: We deeply understand a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. At The Head and Neck Surgical Specialty Group, we prioritize open and honest communication with our patients and their families and discuss diagnoses, treatment options and expected outcomes clearly and empathetically. Our goal is to provide vigilant medical care and emotional support throughout the patient’s entire journey. Discussions among our interdisciplinary program clinicians are formalized during our weekly head and neck tumor conference.
• National network of experts: We participate with and lead a national network of experts in the field of head and neck surgical oncology. Our national tumor board informs care models within the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute. This collaboration with multiple specialists assures access to the latest research and treatment options and enables peer-reviewed input regarding clinical decision-making.

We care for people. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to help guide you through your journey with compassion, expertise and a commitment to your individualized care.

For more information about our services, please call (303) 788-9200.

Patient conditions we treat:

• Oral cavity cancer: Cancer of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, hard palate and cheek.
• Throat cancer: Cancer of the pharynx and larynx (voice box).
• Salivary gland tumors: Benign and malignant tumors of the salivary gland.
• Thyroid and parathyroid tumors: Tumors affecting the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Nose and sinus tumors: Tumors affecting the nasal passages or sinus cavities.
• Skull base tumors: Tumors that form near the base of the skull, often involving structures involving the eye and brain.
• Advanced skin cancer: Melanoma and non-melanoma skin malignancies.
• Neck masses: Enlarged lymph nodes or other masses in the neck.
• Recurrent or metastatic cancer: Cancer that has returned after treatment or spread to other parts of the body.

Utilized technology:

• Robotic surgical systems: Advanced robotic platforms with articulated arms and high-definition visualization for highly intricate procedures, including Colorado's only single-port robotic surgical system.
• 3D imaging: Advanced imaging techniques, including 3D CT scans, MRI and PET-CT scans for precise treatment planning.
• Navigation systems: Surgical navigation systems that provide real-time tracking of surgical instruments and anatomy during surgery.
• Laser: Multiple laser types to aid in precise removal of tissue and limit damage to vital structures.
• Intraoperative imaging: Mobile fluoroscopy, intraoperative CT and MRI to assist in real-time verification of tumor removal and reconstruction.
• Advanced microscopes: High-powered surgical microscopes for improved visualization and precision in microsurgery.
• Tissue biopsy and pathology: Rapid intraoperative pathology assessment to ensure clear margins during surgery.

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides you with convenient access to leading-edge cancer therapies and clinical trials. Through our Sarah Cannon oncology programs, we offer patients personal, individualized care with a trusted network of specialists who address every aspect of cancer care.

askSARAH helpline

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Swedish Medical Center offers access to askSARAH, a dedicated helpline designed to help answer your cancer-related questions. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with cancer or have questions with screenings, signs or symptoms, a specially trained askSARAH nurse can help.

Committed to ensuring you have the right resources close to home, our nurses are available 24/7 and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225 to connect directly to a nurse who can help you today.