The Head and Neck Cancers Team focuses on cancers in the neck and up. These cancers can be particularly complex to treat because of the many different kinds of tissues in this area and the many functions these organs carry out. Often, treating these cancers requires a multidisciplinary team. The UNM Cancer Center team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiologists who combine century-old techniques with cutting edge technology. They offer the latest treatments through clinical trials to give you the most choices for your care.

– Andrew Cowan, MD, PhD

Emrullah Yilmaz, MD

Ian Rabinowitz, MD

Medical Oncologists

Use chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy to treat cancer. They work with the entire team to manage clinical trials.

Michael Spafford, MD

Nathan Boyd, MD

Andrew Cowan, MD, PhD

Garth Olson, MD

Surgical Oncologists

Physically remove cancer tumors from the delicate tissues connecting the ears, nose and throat. Our team established the first trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) program in New Mexico. People eligible for TORS procedures are more likely to recover faster and retain their ability to swallow.

Thomas Schroeder, MD

Gregory Gan, MD, PhD

David Lee, MD, PhD

William R. Thompson, MD

Radiation Oncologists

Kill cancer cells with radiation. They use stereotactic body radiation and intensity modulated radiation therapy, among other techniques, to manage how much radiation reaches tumor cells and to reduce radiation that reaches normal cells.

760
estimated new cases in
New Mexico for 2018

Source:
American Cancer Society, 2017

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Joanna Fair, MD, PhD

Oncology Radiologists

Interpret many different kinds of images of the head and neck. They not only find cancer but also help the team understand its extent and impact.

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Lori Lelii, CNP

Gloria Darrah, CNP

Lorraine Rebuck, CNP

Midlevel Providers

Under the guidance of a physician, they may give medications or injections, take medical histories, perform medical exams or perform certain medical procedures.