A Team Approach to Care

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A Team Approach to Care

Find out how multidisciplinary care teams can strengthen your head and neck cancer treatment. 

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Multidisciplinary teams are made up of healthcare providers (HCPs) from different fields and specialties. 

Having HCPs with varying backgrounds can ensure your treatment plan is focused on your individual needs and health. 

Your multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team might include:

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Otolaryngologists (aka ENTs)

Head and neck surgeons who specialize in conditions affecting:

• Ears

• Upper respiratory system

• Upper gastrointestinal system 

• Other parts of the head and neck

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Surgical, Radiation and Medical Oncologists 

Oncologists are doctors who specialize in cancer. 

Surgical oncologists surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue. 

Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

Medical oncologists use treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy to fight cancer. 

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Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists 

Nurses who specialize in cancer and may help with: 

• Assessing physical and emotional health

• Educating patients and families about treatment

• Coordinating care between specialists 

• Providing direct patient care

• Managing and treating symptoms 

• Supportive care including comfort, pain management and helping you stay on your care plan

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Pathologists 

Doctors who study diseases using:

• Tissue

• Blood

• Urine

• Other bodily fluids

They use lab tests to help diagnose conditions and recommend treatment options.

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Radiologists 

Doctors who diagnose and treat conditions using medical imaging and procedures like:

• X-rays 

• Computed tomography (CT)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Nuclear medicine (using radioactive material to see and treat certain conditions)

• Positron emission tomography (PET)

• Ultrasound

Interventional radiologists use imaging to guide tools into the body and target the specific issue. 

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Speech-Language Pathologists 

Prevent, diagnose and treat speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders 

They can help retrain your body to speak and swallow after head and neck cancer treatment.

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Oncology Registered Dietitians

Experts in diet and nutrition specifically for people living with cancer.

They can: 

• Recommend supplements and meal plans to prevent weight loss

• Promote healthy eating during and after treatment

• Help manage nausea and other dietary symptoms 

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Other types of HCPs or alternative care providers may help you manage head and neck cancer symptoms and treatment side effects:

• Mental health professionals for anxiety, depression or stress

• Acupuncturists for pain

• Massage therapists for pain, nausea and other symptoms 

This educational resource was created with support fro m Merck.