Center of Excellence for Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are complex diseases. They affect various structures of the mouth, jaw, and throat. For the best care and to preserve these delicate structures, you need a team of experts. The Mount Sinai Health System is recognized throughout the world for our head and neck specialists and cutting-edge treatments. We work as a team to give you the most advanced and compassionate care possible. Mount Sinai’s Head and Neck Institute – Center of Excellence for Head and Neck Cancer offers robotic and minimally invasive treatments and the most current options for immunotherapy and clinical trials.

Our experts treat:

  • Larynx cancer
  • Oral cancer
  • Parathyroid cancer
  • Salivary gland disorders and cancer
  • Sinus cancer
  • Skin cancers of the face
  • Throat cancer
  • Thyroid disorders and cancer
  • Tracheal cancer 

Meet Our Team

The Center of Excellence for Head and Neck Cancer is co-led by Eric M. Genden, MD, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and Director of the Head and Neck Institute – Center of Excellence for Head and Neck CancerMarshall Posner, MD, Director of Head and Neck Medical Oncology; and Richard Bakst, MD, specialist in Radiation Oncology. Dr. Genden was the first to perform transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancers in New York in 2009. Dr. Posner is an expert in clinical and translational research in head and neck cancers, HIV, and immunity, as well as virally-caused head and neck cancers. Dr. Bakst uses advanced technology to target radiation to areas at risk while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissue.

Team members include:

  • Head and neck surgeons
  • Microvascular and reconstructive surgeons
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
  • Medical and radiation oncologists
  • Oncology nurse practitioners and nurses
  • Speech and hearing therapists
  • Social workers
  • Nutritionists 

A coordinator with our Patient First Program works with you, the multidisciplinary team, and your referring physician to coordinate your care and identify the best approach for your treatment.

Innovative Head and Neck Cancer Research

Mount Sinai offers you and your loved one access to the latest therapies through clinical trials. Physicians and researchers at our Head and Neck Cancer Research Program, are studying immunotherapies, reduction of medical oncology after transoral robotic surgery (TORS), transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its effect on oropharyngeal cancers, reduction in side effects, quality of life with TORS versus open surgery, and correlation of environmental toxins and thyroid cancer. Our distinguished research program is internationally recognized as a leading resource for tumor cell dormancy research.

Why Choose Mount Sinai for Head and Neck Cancer Care

The Mount Sinai Hospital, home to the Head and Neck Institute at Mount Sinai, is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for both Cancer and Ear, Nose, and Throat treatment. Our expert head and neck surgical, medical, and radiation oncology teams will work together to ensure the best possible outcome.