Get to know your head and neck cancer (HNC) care team

Everyone’s HNC experience will be unique to their diagnosis, personal situation, and treatment plan.

Throughout your journey, you may encounter a variety of medical specialists, often referred to as a multidisciplinary health care team. Although you might not seek care from everyone listed here, these are some of the health care professionals you may receive care from at various points in your cancer experience.

Watch members of the multidisciplinary health care team give a brief introduction on their roles.

Click on the icons below to learn more about each health care professional (HCP) that may be part of the multidisciplinary team. Some explanations also contain a video from an HCP to provide additional insights and context into the unique role that they play.

Click on the icons below to learn about each role

CASE MANAGER OR NAVIGATOR

This individual is trained to help guide you through the health care system. They help you understand the information you may need associated with your care. They may also assist with financial resources, insurance benefits, and coverage.
DENTIST

Some dentists routinely screen for cancers of the mouth, and if they notice something suspicious, may refer you to see a specialist and/or for a biopsy. Some treatments for head and neck cancer, like radiation therapy, may increase your risk of dental complications in the future, so you may need specialized dental care before, during, and after cancer treatment. You may want to seek out a dentist with expertise in oncology. It will be important to communicate your treatment details—like type of treatment or start and end dates—with your dental team.

Hear from Ryan Lee, DDS, MPH, MHA, as he discusses how a dentist or dental oncologist may work with a person living with HNC.
EAR, NOSE, THROAT DOCTOR (ENT)

ENTs, also known as otolaryngologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. These physicians take a closer look at the area of concern and may conduct or order imaging tests (like a nasal endoscopy, MRI or CT scan), take samples for a biopsy (a procedure where tissue is removed for examination to determine if cancer is present) to help detect cancer, and perform surgery.

Listen to otolaryngologist Mark Urken, MD, talk about what the initial and follow-up appointments with an ENT may entail.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

A medical oncologist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan, which may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. They may also collaborate with other specialists based on your treatment approach.

Lori Wirth, MD, discusses how she manages care as a medical oncologist for someone living with HNC.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or therapist that provides emotional and social support; some specialize in oncology. Mental and emotional well-being are important aspects of health, and a trained mental health professional can help you with many of the feelings that may arise when dealing with cancer.

Watch social worker Lauren Chatalian, LMSW, as she describes what role her specialty plays in a person’s HNC journey.
NURSES

Nurses, some of whom specialize in oncology, are trained to help provide education and support with day-to-day things like managing side effects and answering any questions from you or your caregiver.

Dive deeper into how nurse navigators differ from other types of nurses with Jennifer Lewellyn, RN, OCN.
CYTOPATHOLOGIST/ PATHOLOGIST

A specialist educated and trained in the area of diagnosis and management of mouth diseases.
PHYSICAL AND/OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

A medical professional who is trained in physical treatments, such as exercise and massage. These individuals will work with you both during and after treatment to help rebuild and strengthen muscles in your head and neck, and regain function to help you adjust to your new normal during everyday activities.
PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP)

A PCP might be the first health care provider you visit, as they are typically involved in day-to-day health concerns for their patients. The PCP may refer you to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist) if there is a concern.
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

This is an oncologist who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. They will coordinate with you and your cancer care team if you require radiation, which may be used as a sole treatment, in combination with other treatments, or after surgery to help prevent cancer from coming back.
REGISTERED DIETICIAN (RD)

A registered dietician is a licensed medical professional specializing in diet and nutrition. You may want to look for an RD who specializes in oncology. An RD can help you adjust the food you’re eating to ensure proper nutrition while also helping with eating-related challenges that may be caused by certain treatments or surgeries.

If you are looking for a registered dietician, Brittany Craig, MS, RD, CSO, CDN, offers advice on how to find one near you.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST (SLP)

This is a specialist who provides educational and clinical services to help minimize challenges with speaking and swallowing, which may become impaired as a result of the cancer itself, treatment, or surgery.

Speech-language pathologist Kim Webster, MA, MS, CCC-SLP, explains what her specialty does and what people living with HNC can expect from the first consultation—and throughout their treatment journey.
SURGEON

If you are diagnosed with HNC that can be removed surgically, you will likely see a head and neck surgeon who is an ENT. Depending on your individual needs, you may also see a reconstructive, microvascular, or maxillofacial surgeon.