Head and Neck Cancer

Scott Courville was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil in 2016. What two separate doctors thought was tonsillitis turned out to be tonsil cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Following numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Scott now encourages all parents, like himself, to make sure their children get vaccinated. Hear Scott's advice for parents. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online at:

A randomized Phase III clinical trial led by Dr. Lorenzo Cohen and researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that head and neck cancer patients that received acupuncture treatment during the course of radiation treatment experienced less dry mouth and results lasted up to 12 months after treatment. Learn more: Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-888-645-0290 or online:

As a professor in the Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics section at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Aponte Wesson works very closely with colleagues in Head and Neck Surgery. Prior to joining MD Anderson, from 2010 - 2013, she served as the director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Program at The University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Aponte Wesson also served in many different capacities at the School of Dentistry at The University of Alabama. Her focus has always been on quality of life after treatment, especially in the area of reconstruction of intra and extraoral defects utilizing dental implants. Learn more about Dr. Aponte Wesson: Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online:

Damion Smith is known for his deep, resonant voice. So when he lost is voice in June 2016, he decided to visit his doctor and he was diagnosed with laryngitis. But the medications didn’t work, and his voice was getting worse, so he went to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT). He found a growth on Damion's left vocal cord and took a biopsy. The biopsy revealed cancer and Damion was referred to MD Anderson where he was diagnosed with throat cancer – specifically, primary squamous cell carcinoma of glottis. After seven chemotherapy cycles and 35 days of radiation, Damion credits his doctors, nurses and staff for getting him through this tough journey, but also credits keeping a positive attitude. Read more about Damion's journey Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online at:

Mark S. Chambers, D.M.D., is a tenured professor and clinical investigator in Head and Neck Surgery and in Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He also serves as deputy chair for Head and Neck Surgery and chief of Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics. Dr. Chambers is nationally and internationally recognized as an oral oncologist, maxillofacial prosthodontist, and clinical investigator with a focus on developing new approaches to treat oral-related side effects of cancer therapy. His clinical research efforts include studying the effects of stimulants, antibiotics, and enhancing the body's immune system to manage dry mouth and injuries to the mouth caused by radiation and/or chemotherapy. Additional research efforts include learning more about the way biomarkers and the oral microbiome of a patient may influence the likelihood of cancer development. These efforts have led to an overall, global research focus to develop str

At age 62, Tom Jackson was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The diagnosis is common among men his age, so he took it in stride. But shortly before Tom was scheduled to have his prostate removed, he discovered a lump on his neck. A biopsy and CT scan of the lump revealed that Tom also had squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). John Papadopoulous, M.D., Tom’s urologic oncologist at MD Anderson in Katy, recommended he leave the prostate cancer untreated for the time being and focus on his tonsil cancer treatment. Under the care of Charles Lu, M.D., Tom underwent a h7nxq4C4NRw combination of chemotherapy and radiation to treat the tonsil cancer under the care of oncologists Charles Lu, M.D., and Sunil Patel, M.D.; radiation oncologist Gregory Chronowski, M.D.; and surgeon Kristen B. Pytynia, M.D. Listen to Tom discuss his journey and why he thinks the HPV vaccine is so important. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or onli

In July 2012, Sandy Wexler went to the dentist for a routine checkup where her dentist noticed one of Sandy’s lymph nodes was enlarged. When a biopsy revealed she had squamous cell carcinoma, she was referred to MD Anderson for treatment. While undergoing treatment at MD Anderson, Sandy discovered that her cancer was the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Hear Sandy's story. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online at:

Ryan Goepfert, M.D. is an associate professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Goepfert’s clinical expertise is in melanoma, thyroid cancer, and oropharynx cancer treatment including robotic surgery. Dr. Goepfert’s research efforts focus on functional and patient-reported outcomes and the multidisciplinary management of melanoma. Learn more about Dr. Goepfert: Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online:

Head and neck cancer survivor Chris Williams shares his experience through the discovery of nasopharyngeal cancer (nasal cancer) and treatment process with proton therapy. “Proton therapy was able to protect my ‘high-end real estate.’ It was able to protect my optic nerves, brain stem, teeth and jaw. Also, proton therapy has fewer side effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite and dry mouth compared to traditional radiation. Knowing that proton therapy would help cut down the side effects helped lift my spirits,” Chris shared. He distinctly remembers ringing the gong on his last day of treatment. “It was one of the best days of my entire life.” Besides receiving innovative treatment, Chris was amazed by the personable staff at the Proton Therapy Center. “The staff was very nice and inviting. From the second I walked in the door, they would say, ‘Hi, Chris!’” Learn more about proton therapy treatment for head and neck cancers: Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6

Ehab Hanna, M.D., FACS, is an internationally recognized head and neck surgeon and expert in the treatment of patients with skull base tumors and head and neck cancer. He is Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. After earning his medical degree, he completed a surgery internship at Vanderbilt University, and residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He received advanced fellowship training in skull base surgery and head and neck surgical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He joined the MD Anderson faculty in 2004 with a joint appointment at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Hanna is the medical director of the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Center and co-director of the Skull Base Tumor program at MD Anderson. Dr. Hanna was recently elected President of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) which was found