The diagnosis of a head and neck carcinoma presents a complex medical challenge that requires immediate, precise, and multifaceted intervention. For patients and their families, navigating the path from diagnosis to recovery involves understanding the critical role of surgical expertise and the necessity of a coordinated care team. Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) has established a standard of care in the Northwest that addresses these complexities through a unique model of practice: the integration of dual-degree surgeons within robust, multidisciplinary hospital partnerships.
Effective management of oral, head, and neck cancers extends far beyond the removal of a tumor. It requires a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes survival while simultaneously addressing the preservation of vital functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. By leveraging the combined knowledge of medicine and dentistry, alongside collaboration with leading regional health systems, HNSA provides a level of care designed to optimize both oncologic outcomes and long-term quality of life.
The Dual-Degree Advantage in Head and Neck Oncology
One of the distinguishing factors of the surgical team at HNSA is the prevalence of dual-degree certification. Physicians who hold both a Medical Doctor (M.D.) and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree possess a rare and invaluable perspective when treating carcinomas of the oral cavity and head and neck region. This specific area of the body is an intricate intersection of soft tissue, nerve pathways, and complex skeletal structures including the jaw and teeth.
A surgeon trained solely in general medicine may lack the intricate knowledge of dental occlusion and oral rehabilitation, while a standard dental surgeon may not possess the systemic medical training required for complex oncologic resection and microvascular reconstruction. The dual-degree surgeons at HNSA bridge this gap. They understand the pathology of tumors affecting the oral, head, and neck regions from a systemic medical capability while maintaining the precision required to reconstruct the jaw and dentition functionally.
This expertise is particularly vital when treating malignancies of the tongue, floor of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and jaws. The ability to visualize the resection of a tumor and the subsequent reconstruction as a single, cohesive process allows for surgical planning that anticipates rehabilitation needs before the first incision is made. This holistic approach ensures that the removal of the carcinoma is balanced with the imperative to restore the patient’s facial form and oral function.
Strategic Hospital Partnerships: A Multidisciplinary Approach
No single surgeon acts in isolation when treating complex carcinomas. The standard of care for head and neck cancer requires a “tumor board” approach—a collaborative effort involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, speech and language pathologists, nutritionists, and nurse navigators. HNSA has formalized this collaborative model through deep partnerships with two of the region’s leading healthcare systems: Providence Health and Legacy Health.
The Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic
Through a strategic collaboration between HNSA and the Providence Cancer Center, patients gain access to world-class care for benign and malignant tumors. This program is distinguished not only by its surgical capabilities but also by its access to advanced medical therapies. Patients at this clinic often have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials, including immunotherapy protocols that may not be widely available elsewhere.
Dr. Ashish Patel, a key figure in this partnership, works closely with a diverse team of specialists dedicated to normalizing patient function post-treatment. Dr. Patel is a fellowship-trained Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist and Reconstructive Surgeon whose philosophy centers on the belief that restoring a patient’s life is as important as eliminating the cancer. His involvement in the Providence program ensures that surgical interventions are seamlessly integrated with necessary adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
The Legacy Good Samaritan Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program
Parallel to the work at Providence, HNSA directs the Oral/Head and Neck Cancer Program at Legacy Good Samaritan Cancer Center. Directed by Dr. Allen Cheng, this program is ranked among the nation’s best by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This designation reflects a long history of dedication to comprehensive, network-wide cancer care.
Through the OHSU Knight-Legacy Health Cancer Collaborative, patients in this program also benefit from access to national multicenter clinical trials. Dr. Cheng’s dual training in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery allows the team to tackle advanced tumors involving the paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid gland. The proximity of the HNSA office to the Legacy Good Samaritan campus facilitates convenient coordination for patients requiring frequent consultations and follow-ups.
Advanced Reconstruction: Restoring Form and Function
The surgical management of carcinomas often necessitates the removal of composite tissues—skin, muscle, bone, and mucosa. Historically, this could leave patients with significant cosmetic and functional deficits. However, the HNSA team employs advanced microvascular reconstructive surgery techniques to transplant tissue from other parts of the body to the head and neck, reattaching tiny blood vessels to ensure tissue survival.
This capability is crucial for reconstruction following the removal of jaw tumors. Surgeons such as Dr. Patel and Dr. Khatib are at the forefront of techniques like the “Jaw in a Day” procedure, where a fibula free flap is used to reconstruct the mandible, and dental implants are placed during the same surgery. This immediate reconstruction significantly reduces the time a patient must go without teeth and accelerates the return to normal dietary function.
Furthermore, the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) allows these surgeons to map out the tumor removal and the reconstruction on a computer before entering the operating room. This technology enhances precision, reduces operative time, and improves the predictability of the aesthetic outcome. For more information on the scope of these capabilities, one can explore HNSA’s resources on jaw surgery and reconstruction.
The Role of Education and Research
A commitment to academic excellence drives the quality of care at HNSA. The practice is not only a clinical entity but also a center for education and research. Through the Head and Neck Institute, HNSA surgeons train the next generation of specialists through highly competitive fellowship training programs.
Dr. Cheng serves as an Assistant Professor at OHSU, and Dr. Patel holds academic appointments at both OHSU and Washington State University. Dr. Khatib, also an Assistant Professor at OHSU, served as an assistant clinical professor at the Medical University of South Carolina before joining HNSA, bringing extensive experience in teaching and complex procedural innovation. This academic involvement ensures that the HNSA team remains at the cutting edge of surgical science, constantly refining techniques and contributing to peer-reviewed research to improve survival rates and functional outcomes for carcinoma patients worldwide.
Additionally, the practice is deeply involved in handling acute facial injuries through their Trauma Clinic at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. This high-volume trauma experience sharpens the surgical skills required for complex oncologic reconstruction, as the principles of repairing severe facial fractures often parallel those used in rebuilding facial structures after cancer resection.
Navigating the Patient Journey
A diagnosis of head and neck cancer is life-altering, and the volume of information can be overwhelming. HNSA prioritizes patient education and streamlined communication. From the initial consultation, where digital imaging and diagnostic evaluations are performed, to the coordination with medical oncologists, the process is designed to be as cohesive as possible.
Patients are encouraged to review patient forms and privacy policies prior to appointments to maximize time spent with the surgeon. For those traveling from outside the immediate Portland area—a common occurrence given the specialized nature of HNSA’s services—the team assists in coordinating care to minimize travel burden. Referrals from other physicians are handled promptly through the physician referral form ensuring that critical care is not delayed.
Recovery is a monitored process involving specific dietary guidelines and wound care. The involvement of speech pathologists and nutritionists ensures that patients relearn how to swallow and speak effectively as they heal. The ultimate goal is to return the patient to their daily life with renewed confidence and health.
Connect with HNSA for Specialized Care
When facing a diagnosis of carcinoma in the head and neck region, the choice of a surgical team is the most critical decision a patient will make. The integrated expertise found at Head & Neck Surgical Associates—defined by dual-degree certification, advanced fellowship training, and robust hospital partnerships—offers patients the best opportunity for a cure and a high quality of life. Whether for a second opinion or immediate treatment planning, the surgeons at HNSA are prepared to guide patients through every step of this challenging journey.
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about the specific cancer programs available, please visit the appointment page or contact the clinics directly. For the latest updates, patient success stories, and news regarding the practice, patients and colleagues are invited to connect with HNSA on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Head & Neck Surgical Associates is the Northwest’s most specialized surgical practice, uniquely staffed by dual-degreed, board-certified physicians trained in both medicine and dentistry. Based in Portland, Oregon, their team offers expert care in head and neck surgery, oral and maxillofacial procedures, and facial cosmetic surgery—backed by advanced fellowships and decades of focused experience. Patients trust HNSA for precise diagnoses, complex surgical treatment, and comprehensive care from true leaders in their field.
