Slide 1:
A team approach to care
Find out how multidisciplinary care teams can strengthen your head and neck cancer treatment.
Slide 2:
Multidisciplinary teams consist of healthcare providers (HCPs) from various specialties and areas of expertise.
Using HCPs with diverse backgrounds can ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and health.
Your multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team might include:
Slide 3:
Otorhinolaryngologists (also known as otolaryngologists)
Head and neck surgeons who specialize in conditions affecting:
- ears
- Upper respiratory system
- Upper gastrointestinal system
- Other parts of the head and neck
Slide 4:
Surgical, radiation and medical oncologists
Oncologists are doctors who specialize in cancer.
Surgical oncologists surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue.
Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Medical oncologists use treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy to fight cancer.
Slide 5:
Clinical Nurse Specialists in Oncology
Cancer specialist nurses can help with:
- Assessment of physical and emotional health
- Educate patients and families about treatment
- Coordination of care between specialists
- Providing direct patient care
- Managing and treating symptoms
- Supportive care, including comfort, pain management, and assistance in adhering to your care plan
Slide 6:
pathologists
Doctors who examine diseases by:
- tissue
- blood
- urine
- Other body fluids
They use laboratory tests to diagnose medical conditions and recommend treatment options.
Slide 7:
Radiologists
Doctors who diagnose and treat conditions using medical imaging and procedures, such as:
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nuclear medicine (use of radioactive material to diagnose and treat certain diseases)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Ultrasonic
Interventional radiologists use imaging to guide tools into the body and target the specific problem.
Slide 8:
Speech pathologists
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders
They can help train your body to speak and swallow again after head and neck cancer treatment.
Slide 9:
Oncology registered dietitian
Experts in diet and nutrition specifically for people with cancer.
You can:
- Recommend supplements and diet plans to prevent weight loss
- Promote a healthy diet during and after treatment
- Help treat nausea and other diet-related symptoms
Slide 10:
Other types of HCPs or alternative care providers can help you manage head and neck cancer symptoms and treatment side effects:
- Mental health professionals for anxiety, depression or stress
- Acupuncturists for pain
- Massage therapists for pain, nausea and other symptoms
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.
