Expert Care for Head & Neck Cancers
You don’t have to navigate a cancer diagnosis alone – our team is here to help you at every step. At UCSF’s Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Program, we offer advanced treatments that are effective and easier on patients than traditional options, along with expert reconstruction services to help you fully recover. Schedule a call with a new-patient navigator to get started.
The UCSF Difference
With unparalleled expertise and the latest technology, we provide world-class care for all types of head and neck tumors. Every treatment plan is customized, but our goal is always the same: to eliminate cancer while preserving your quality of life.
Full-Service Care
- Safer, less invasive treatments that are easier on patients than traditional approaches
- Expertise in all types of head and neck cancer, including throat, larynx, oral, thyroid and advanced skin cancers
- Collaborative care from many types of specialists, all working to protect your appearance and functions such as speech, swallowing and hearing
- Weekly tumor boards, in which the whole team meets to strategize the best approach for each patient
- Same-day biopsies and imaging tests, so we can quickly determine next steps
Innovative Treatments
- Robot-assisted surgery performed through the mouth for shorter, easier recoveries
- Laser technology to treat tumors in hard-to-reach areas of the throat
- Highly targeted radiation therapy to destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue around them
- Groundbreaking immunotherapies that boost your immune system to fight cancer more effectively
- Skull base surgical techniques to remove tumors from this complex area without large incisions
Rankings & Achievements
Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
One of the nation's best for ear, nose & throat care
Designated comprehensive cancer care center
Accredited by the Commission on Cancer
Meet your all-star team
Whatever your needs, we have experts who can help. Your team may include:
- Head and neck cancer surgeons
- Otolaryngologists (ENTs)
- Radiation and medical oncologists
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons
- Speech language pathologists
- Dental oncologists
- Nutritionists
“Many specialties are involved in taking care of head and neck cancer patients, so it feels good knowing that everyone on the team practices at the highest level. Our patients are always in the best hands.”
- Dr. Ilya Likhterov
Locations and Insurance
We have two main locations in San Francisco and Berkeley. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal.
See our complete list of plans >
Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Program
1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158
UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center
3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
Berkeley, CA 94702
Your Guide to Groundbreaking Treatments
Discover the most effective head and neck cancer treatments, the best questions to help you choose a surgeon, and the many reasons UCSF Health is considered one of the best institutions in the world for cancer care.
