Head and Neck Oncology Program | Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

The Head and Neck Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck region. Head and neck cancers as a group encompass a wide variety of conditions that can affect any organ of the area from skin of the face to the oral cavity, salivary glands, nose and sinus cavities, larynx (voicebox), pharynx (throat) and esophagus. With such concentration of organs critical for appearance, voice and speech, swallowing and nutrition and smell and taste, cancers of the head and neck area present a unique challenge both for a patient and a cancer practitioner.

Our multidisciplinary team of highly specialized experts is uniquely focused on the management of head and neck cancers. This team consists of fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers. Importantly, our program includes speech therapists, nutritionists, oncology nurses, nurse navigators, and physical and occupational therapists who assist patients at every step of the way from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation in order to achieve the best possible result. Research studies consistently show that best head and neck cancer outcomes are achieved at high volume centers where specialized expertise and experience in managing this challenging disease is available.

The Program offers the most advanced minimally invasive surgical and radiation techniques currently available including transoral robotic surgery (TORS), transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), endoscopic skull base surgery, microvascular free flap reconstruction and proton therapy. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount. Every patient’s case is reviewed by a team of experts who work together to develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan based upon the best available scientific evidence.

Patients of the Head and Neck Oncology Program are evaluated for multimodality treatments and participation in clinical trials, some of which are only available at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

Matin Imanguli, MD, DDS, Chief, Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist and Reconstructive Surgeon