A diagnosis of head and neck cancer presents a complex clinical challenge requiring immediate, specialized, and comprehensive intervention. At Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA), the focus remains on delivering advanced surgical care through a multidisciplinary framework. By partnering with the region’s leading healthcare systems, Providence and Legacy Health, HNSA provides patients with access to world-class treatment protocols, microvascular reconstructive surgery, and cutting-edge clinical trials.
The physicians at HNSA are dual-degreed, board-certified specialists trained in both medicine and dentistry, offering a depth of expertise unique to the Northwest. This background allows for precise management of benign and malignant tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid gland.
Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic Collaboration
Through a strategic collaboration with the Providence Cancer Center, HNSA offers a streamlined pathway for the treatment of complex oncological cases. This partnership facilitates a cohesive environment where surgical precision meets comprehensive cancer care. The clinic is specifically designed to address pathologies affecting the mouth, throat, voice box, and associated structures of the head and neck.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
Effective cancer treatment extends beyond surgical excision. The Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic utilizes a multidisciplinary treatment team comprising physicians, dentists, nurses, speech pathologists, audiologists, nutritionists, and social workers. This diverse group of specialists is dedicated to the care of patients with oral, head, and neck tumors.
The primary clinical objective is twofold: to cure the cancer and to optimize the patient’s quality of life. By integrating oral, head and neck cancer surgery with rehabilitation services, the team works to normalize essential functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing following treatment.
Advancements in Oncology
Advancements in oncology are rapidly evolving. Patients under the care of HNSA at Providence may have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials, including protocols utilizing immunotherapy. Many of these trials are exclusive to this program, providing access to therapeutic options that may not be available elsewhere. This commitment to research ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available in medical science today.
Dr. Ashish Patel attends to patients at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center on alternating Tuesdays. Additionally, Christina Fratangelo, NP, is available at Providence Portland Medical Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to ensure consistent patient support. To schedule an appointment with the Providence providers, please contact the clinic directly at 503-215-3035.
Legacy Good Samaritan Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program
HNSA maintains a long-standing partnership with Legacy Health, spanning over 30 years. Dr. Allen C. Cheng currently serves as the Medical Director of the Oral/Head and Neck Oral Cancer Program at Legacy Good Samaritan Cancer Center. This center is ranked among the nation’s best cancer programs by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, a distinction earned through decades of dedication to multidisciplinary, network-wide care.
Similar to the Providence collaboration, the Legacy program treats a full spectrum of benign and malignant tumors. The care team includes nurse navigators and rehabilitation specialists who guide patients through every stage of their treatment journey. Through the OHSU Knight-Legacy Health Cancer Collaborative, patients may also gain access to national multicenter clinical trials, further expanding the scope of available treatment modalities.
Dr. Cheng sees patients at the HNSA office in Northwest Portland, located in close proximity to the Legacy Good Samaritan Cancer Center Campus. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 503-912-2933.
Expertise in Microvascular Reconstruction and Trauma
The surgeons at HNSA are not only oncologic surgeons but are also fellowship-trained in microvascular reconstructive surgery. This expertise is vital for patients undergoing extensive resection of tumors, as it allows for the immediate reconstruction of facial structures using the patient’s own tissue. This advanced capability is essential for restoring facial form and function.
Furthermore, the practice is deeply integrated into the region’s trauma systems. For over three decades, HNSA doctors have served as integral members of the multidisciplinary trauma team at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Oregon’s busiest Level I Trauma Center. The team manages acute facial trauma and reconstruction for patients transferred from across Oregon, Southern Washington, and Northern California.
Trauma Clinic and Resident Education
In addition to clinical practice, HNSA is committed to academic excellence and the training of future surgeons. The Trauma Clinic allows surgical residents and fellows—licensed dentists and physicians seeking specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, or general surgery—to evaluate patients under the direct supervision of attending surgeons. The Trauma Clinic is located on the Legacy Emanuel campus and operates on Friday mornings.
Meet the Specialized Surgical Team
The caliber of care at Head & Neck Surgical Associates is defined by the extensive training and leadership of its surgeons.
Allen C. Cheng, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Cheng holds both medical and dental degrees from the University of California, San Francisco. Following his residency, he completed fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. His practice encompasses head and neck oncology, maxillofacial trauma, and orthognathic surgery. He serves as an Assistant Professor at the OHSU School of Dentistry and is the Section Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
Ashish A. Patel, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Ashish Patel earned his degrees from New York University and completed fellowship training in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. He holds a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Head and Neck Oncology. Notably, Dr. Patel performed the first total jaw reconstruction on the West Coast in 2016. He serves as the medical director of the Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, training the next generation of specialists.
Baber N. Khatib, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Baber Khatib joined HNSA from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he served as an assistant clinical professor. He performed the first “Jaw in a Day” procedures in South Carolina. Dr. Khatib completed fellowships in Adult and Pediatric Advanced Craniomaxillofacial and Trauma Surgery, as well as Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. His practice includes adult and pediatric oral surgery, sleep surgery, and pathology.
Comprehensive Patient Care and Recovery
The philosophy at HNSA hinges on comprehensive patient care. Treating the pathology is merely the first step; restoring the patient’s life is the ultimate goal. Whether through corrective jaw surgery to fix misalignments or complex reconstruction following cancer removal, the team utilizes precision medicine, robotic surgery, and patient-specific solutions to ensure the best possible functional and aesthetic outcomes.
From the initial consultation through postoperative recovery, patients are supported by a coordinated network of providers. HNSA facilities offer convenient access, including free on-site parking and designated bays for post-operative pickup, minimizing logistical stress so patients can focus entirely on healing.
Connect with Head & Neck Surgical Associates
Patients and referring providers seeking specialized care for oral, head, and neck cancer, or those interested in learning more about available clinical trials, are encouraged to contact the practice. The team at HNSA is prepared to guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with professional expertise and compassionate care.
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about the clinics and programs available, please visit the HNSA website or contact the specific program coordinators listed above. Visit our Google Business Profile to read reviews, get directions, and discover more about our convenient Portland location at https://maps.app.goo.gl/dGtRxWc5JsHeuqTp7. Stay connected with us for the latest updates and patient success stories on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hnsapdx/ and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/head-and-neck-surgical-associates/.
About Head & Neck Surgical Associates: 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.
