Patient Information
It is important for patients to play an active role in their head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis always starts with the patient contacting UPMC’s Eye and Ear Institute if any abnormalities, such as lumps or sores, are found on the head or neck. Early detection significantly increases treatment success rates.
There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers. Being well informed on cancer prevention and risk factors can be the first steps to improving your health, head, and neck cancer risks.
Cancer treatment can be overwhelming for patients and their families. To help alleviate unnecessary stress, UPMC offers several patient services to provide support and create the most comfortable environment possible.
Diagnosis and Treatment Process
Treating head and neck cancer should always start at UPMC’s Eye and Ear Institute. It is important that all patients’ conditions are considered on an individual basis to ensure the proper care and treatment plans are chosen. There is a specific sequence of events that doctors follow to ensure that the best individualized care is provided. The following is the sequence of events patients can expect after they have scheduled an appointment with an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) to assess their possible conditions:
- diagnosis and treatment process
- prevention and risk factors
- patient services
All appointments can be made by contacting UPMC’s Eye and Ear Institute.