At Sharp, we specialize in the treatment of head and neck diseases, which encompass a wide variety of disorders from the collarbone to the top of the head.
Our experienced team of specialists treat a variety of head and neck conditions, including:
Acoustic neuroma
Benign and malignant tumors (cancers)
Complicated head trauma
Parathyroid tumors
Pituitary tumors
Salivary gland tumors
Sinus disorders
Sleep apnea
Smell and taste disorders
Thyroid tumors
At Sharp, we also treat a variety of ENT-related conditions — including balance disorders and dizziness, hearing loss, oral tumors, sinusitis and more.
Head and neck treatments
Treatment options are personalized, depending on the type, location and stage of the cancer. Here, we provide a full range of customized care for our patients.
This surgical option provides patients with a safe, minimally invasive way to find relief from sinusitis. As a minimally invasive surgery, balloon sinuplasty™ is performed using soft, flexible balloons so there is no cutting or removal or bone or tissue.
Balloon sinuplasty offers a faster recovery, less pain and less blood loss than traditional surgery and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medication treatment, you may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. You and your doctor should discuss your medical history, potential risks and other factors to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Our expert team is pioneering new ways to treat head and neck cancers. We use advanced technology to help diagnose these diseases and provide the most accurate and effective treatments.
Our world-class team — which includes board-certified head and neck surgeons, neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, neuroradiologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, radiation oncologists, oral surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeons — is ready to care for you.
Head and neck care team
Core members of the care team include:
Specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the head and neck (mouth, throat and larynx).
Performs diagnostic exams, biopsies and surgeries
Removes tumors or affected tissues
Manages post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation
Assists with speech, swallowing and breathing issues
Specializes in using radiation to target and treat cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues.
Plans and administers radiation therapies
Conducts imaging and develops treatment plans
Manages treatment side effects
Collaborates with medical oncologists for coordinated care
Specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing cancer with systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Oversees chemotherapy and other systemic treatments
Develops personalized treatment plans
Monitors progress and adjusts treatment as needed
Coordinates care with other specialists
Guides patients through their cancer treatment journey, offering emotional and logistical support.
Provides patient education
Coordinates appointments and follow-up care
Helps with insurance, financial and logistical concerns
Connects patients and their families to resources
Supports nutritional health and helps manage diet-related issues caused by cancer treatment, such as swallowing difficulties, pain and mouth sores.
Develops personalized nutrition plans
Provides guidance on managing treatment side effects that affect eating
Addresses weight management and hydration
Educates patients on dietary changes to improve recovery
Helps patients with communication and swallowing issues that may be caused by surgery or radiation.
Assesses speech, language and swallowing difficulties
Provides personalized rehabilitation plans
Uses exercises and strategies to maintain or improve function
Offers assistive devices and diet modification recommendations
Manages lymphedema — swelling that can be caused by surgery or radiation therapy.
Diagnoses and evaluates lymphedema
Provides therapies, such as compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage and exercises
Educates patients on self-care techniques
Collaborates with other physical rehabilitation therapists for coordinated care
Assists with the social and psychological challenges of cancer treatment.
Provides emotional and psychological counseling
Offers support in coping with the emotional impacts of cancer
Connects patients and their families to additional support services and resources
Evaluates the patient’s oral health before cancer treatment to identify potential complications.
Screens for infections, decayed teeth and gum disease
Recommends dental work to reduce the risk of complications during cancer treatment
Gives guidance on maintaining oral hygiene and managing potential oral side effects of cancer treatment
Provides routine checkups and preventive care every 3 months after cancer treatment is completed
Providing the care and support you need
Other programs and services to support our patients and their loved ones.
Free support services for cancer patients including counseling, support groups, education and referrals
Head and neck nurse navigator program
Rehabilitation services — including physical therapy, speech/swallow therapy and occupational therapy
Specially trained dietitians provide nutritional assessments and counseling
Because cancers of the head and neck can affect how you talk, eat, smell and see, patients with these conditions require special expertise.
Frequently asked questions
At Sharp HealthCare, we provide a full range of otolaryngology services — from ear, nose and throat care to care of the head and neck. And our services are offered at locations across San Diego, making it easy for you to get the care you need, when you need it.
Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, to speak with one of our specially trained physician referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.
In some cases, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor.
Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage.
If you are an existing patient with a Sharp-affiliated head and neck surgeon (meaning you have seen your doctor at least once), simply call the doctor’s office to make an appointment.
Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.
Locations of head and neck services in San Diego
We offer highly specialized care at hospitals across San Diego — from South Bay to East County to Kearny Mesa.
