A diagnosis of oral, head, or neck cancer requires immediate, specialized attention and a treatment plan that addresses not only the elimination of the disease but also the preservation of vital functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. At Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA), patients in Portland and the surrounding Northwest region have access to a level of care typically found only in major academic medical centers. Through strategic partnerships with Providence Cancer Center and Legacy Health, the surgical team at HNSA provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to oncology.
This integrated care model combines the expertise of fellowship-trained surgical oncologists with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, and nutritionists. By leveraging advanced microvascular reconstructive techniques and offering access to cutting-edge clinical trials—including immunotherapy—the physicians at HNSA are dedicated to optimizing both survival rates and quality of life for their patients.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Head and Neck Oncology
Treating tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, and thyroid requires more than just surgical intervention. It demands a coordinated effort among various specialists to ensure every aspect of the patient’s health is considered. HNSA has established robust collaborative programs with two of Oregon’s leading healthcare systems to facilitate this high standard of care.
Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic
Through a longstanding collaboration with the Providence Cancer Center, HNSA offers world-class management for benign and malignant tumors. This clinic is designed to treat complex cases involving the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, and thyroid gland. The primary objective of the Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic is to cure cancer while simultaneously minimizing the impact of treatment on the patient’s daily life.
Dr. Ashish Patel plays an integral role in this multidisciplinary program. Patients seen at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center benefit from a team that includes dentists, nurses, audiologists, and social workers alongside the surgical staff. This holistic support system ensures that rehabilitation—such as relearning how to swallow or speak—begins the moment treatment is planned.
Furthermore, this partnership provides patients with access to advanced clinical trials, particularly in the realm of immunotherapy. These trials, many of which are exclusive to this program, offer new avenues of hope and treatment efficacy that standard protocols may not yet provide. For patients facing a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, this access to research-driven medicine is a critical component of the care strategy.
Legacy Good Samaritan Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program
Dr. Allen Cheng serves as the Medical Director of the Oral/Head and Neck Cancer Program at Legacy Good Samaritan Cancer Center. This center is recognized among the nation’s best by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a distinction earned through decades of dedication to comprehensive care. For over 30 years, HNSA has partnered with Legacy Health to treat patients with complex tumors of the head and neck.
Similar to the Providence model, the Legacy program utilizes a team-based approach. Nurse navigators guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring appointments are coordinated and questions are answered. Through the OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) Knight-Legacy Health Cancer Collaborative, patients at this facility also have the opportunity to participate in national multicenter clinical trials. This collaboration ensures that patients receiving care in a community setting still have access to the same advanced therapies found in university research hospitals.
Advanced Surgical Expertise: Microvascular Reconstruction
One of the most significant challenges in head and neck oncology is the potential loss of tissue and bone, which can severely affect appearance and function. The surgeons at HNSA distinguish themselves through their specialized training in oral, head and neck cancer and tumor surgery, specifically focusing on microvascular reconstruction.
Microvascular surgery involves the transfer of tissue from one part of the body to another to rebuild the face, jaw, or throat. This requires connecting tiny blood vessels under a microscope to ensure the transplanted tissue survives. This level of reconstruction is vital for patients who undergo extensive removal of tumors.
Dr. Ashish Patel, Dr. Allen Cheng, and Dr. Baber Khatib are all fellowship-trained in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. Their expertise allows for sophisticated procedures such as the “Jaw in a Day” technique, where the removal of a jaw tumor and the reconstruction of the jawbone (often with dental implants) occur in a single operation. This capability significantly reduces the number of surgeries a patient must endure and accelerates the rehabilitation process.
Commitment to Education and Future Care
HNSA is not only a provider of current medical care but also a training ground for the future of the specialty. The practice directs a Head and Neck Fellowship, where board-eligible surgeons receive advanced training in oncologic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Patel serves as the medical director of this fellowship, mentoring the next generation of surgeons in high-level microsurgery and cancer management.
This academic involvement ensures that the attending surgeons at HNSA remain at the forefront of medical literature and surgical innovation. By actively teaching and publishing research, the team continuously refines its techniques, directly benefiting current patients with the most up-to-date surgical strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head & Neck Cancer
Navigating a cancer diagnosis involves understanding complex medical information. Below are answers to common questions regarding oral, head, and neck pathology and treatment options available through HNSA.
What are the common signs of oral and head and neck cancer?
Early detection is paramount for successful treatment. Common symptoms include a sore in the mouth that does not heal, a lump or thickening in the cheek or neck, a white or red patch on the gums or tongue, and persistent sore throat or hoarseness. Difficulty chewing or swallowing can also be an indicator. Regular dental check-ups are often the first line of defense in identifying these issues. If any suspicious lesions are found, scheduling an oral cancer screening with a specialist is recommended.
How does Human Papillomavirus (HPV) relate to head and neck cancer?
There has been a significant rise in oropharyngeal cancers associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike cancers caused primarily by tobacco and alcohol, HPV-positive tumors often occur in younger, non-smoking individuals. The prognosis for HPV-positive head and neck cancer is generally more favorable than for non-HPV cancers, but it still requires aggressive and specialized treatment. HNSA physicians are experts in managing the unique biological behaviors of HPV-related oral cancers.
What is the role of immunotherapy in treating head and neck cancer?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells (and often healthy cells), immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural defenses to detect and destroy tumor cells. Through the clinical trials available at the Providence and Legacy collaborative clinics, HNSA patients may have access to these novel therapies, particularly for advanced cases or tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. You can read more about recent advances in cancer treatments on the HNSA resources page.
What happens during a consultation for a suspicious lesion?
During an initial consultation, the surgeon will review the patient’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination of the head and neck. This may include fiberoptic laryngoscopy (using a small camera to look down the throat) or ordering advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy will be performed to obtain a tissue sample for pathology. HNSA prioritizes rapid diagnosis to ensure treatment can begin as swiftly as possible.
Why is a dual-degree surgeon important for these procedures?
Head and neck cancers often affect the jaws, teeth, and oral structures. Surgeons at HNSA, such as Dr. Ashish Patel and Dr. Allen Cheng, hold both medical degrees (M.D.) and dental degrees (D.D.S.). This dual qualification provides them with a unique perspective on the interplay between oral function (teeth alignment, chewing) and medical pathology. This is particularly crucial when performing complex reconstructions of the jaw, ensuring that the patient not only is cancer-free but also retains a functional bite.
Meet the HNSA Surgical Oncology Team
The strength of HNSA lies in the expertise of its providers. The team is composed of board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery who have pursued extensive post-residency fellowship training.
- Dr. Allen C. Cheng, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.: With fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Cheng’s practice encompasses oncology, trauma, and jaw alignment. He serves as Section Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
- Dr. Ashish A. Patel, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.: Dr. Patel holds a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Head and Neck Oncology. He is known for pushing the envelope with robotic surgery and patient-specific solutions, including performing the first total jaw reconstruction on the West Coast in 2016.
- Dr. Baber N. Khatib, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.: Dr. Khatib brings expertise in “Jaw in a Day” procedures and advanced craniomaxillofacial surgery. He completed fellowship training through both Legacy Emanuel and Providence Cancer Center, bridging the gap between trauma and oncologic reconstruction.
- Christina Fratangelo, NP: As a specialized Nurse Practitioner, Christina plays a vital role in the Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic, ensuring continuity of care and patient support throughout the treatment journey.
Taking the Next Step in Care
Facing a diagnosis of head and neck cancer is daunting, but patients do not have to navigate it alone. The multidisciplinary advantages offered by Head & Neck Surgical Associates provide a pathway to comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge care right here in Portland. Whether requiring a consultation for a suspicious lesion, a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis, or specialized reconstruction following tumor removal, the team is prepared to help.
Patients are encouraged to utilize the physician referral form or contact the office directly to schedule an evaluation. With a focus on precise diagnoses and restoring quality of life, HNSA remains the Northwest’s premier choice for head and neck surgical oncology.
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.
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