University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Provides Personalized Care for Patients with Tonsil Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, you likely have many questions. Tonsil cancer begins in the cells of your tonsils and nearly 70 percent of all tonsil cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are related to the human papilloma virus (HPV 16 or HPV 18). This type of head and neck cancer is usually diagnosed in adults age 50 or older but can happen anytime in life. UH Seidman Cancer Center’s surgeons, cancer doctors and other specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating tonsil cancer, working together to customize cancer treatment to each patient’s specific needs.

Nationally Recognized Cancer Program

UH Seidman Cancer Center is a nationally recognized cancer program with expertise in advanced research and complex cancer care. UH Seidman Cancer Center is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the country. Our entire multidisciplinary team evaluates and reviews every single cancer case so diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on the knowledge of our team of experts. Together, we work through every step of cancer care to get the patient healthy and active again.

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center is a nationally recognized innovator in the treatment of head and neck cancerous and noncancerous tumors. Our advanced treatments include:

• Minimally invasive surgery through endoscopy
• Reconstructive techniques to preserve quality of life
• Targeted chemotherapy
• Precise radiation therapy
• Access to advanced clinical trials

Multidisciplinary Team

Our patients benefit from a team approach to their cancer care. Our multidisciplinary team performs a disease-specific tumor board review each week. Every single patient has the resources of an entire team of national experts to guide tonsil cancer care decisions. This review process ensures that all realistic treatment options are considered.

UH Seidman Cancer Center puts the patient at the center of a compassionate, highly trained team. The following specialists may be involved in the review, care and treatment of tonsil cancer patients:

• Genetic counselors
• Medical geneticists
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Nurse practitioners
• Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors)
• Oral surgeons
• Pathologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Social workers
• Surgical oncologists

Tonsil Cancer Clinical Trials

UH Seidman Cancer Center has many available clinical trials for patients with tonsil cancer, including:

• Combining radiation, surgery and chemo with or without an antibody for stage III-IV squamous cell head and neck cancer. Learn more.