What Is Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery?

August 4, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Ellie Maghami, M.D., chief of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery at City of Hope, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte.

Otolaryngology — head and neck surgery — is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck regions. Some otolaryngologists have specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing benign and malignant tumors involving the head and neck regions of the body, including tumors of the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), thyroid and parathyroid glands, sinonasal region, salivary glands and skin.

What Is an Otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngologists, who may also be referred to as head and neck surgeons, complete medical school followed by rigorous surgical residency training in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. Many surgeons who specialize in cancer care pursue additional fellowship training in head and neck surgical oncology, developing advanced expertise in complex tumor removal, minimally invasive surgical approaches, reconstruction and preservation of critical functions such as speaking, swallowing, breathing and appearance.

The Otolaryngologist's Role in Cancer

Head and neck surgeons play a key role in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of patients with tumors of the head and neck.

During diagnosis: Otolaryngologists evaluate the head and neck region of patients to help screen for, diagnose and stage cancer. They may perform specialized examinations, biopsies, endoscopic procedures and surgical staging to diagnose cancer and plan treatment.

During treatment: Head and neck surgeons perform operations to remove or reduce the size of tumors while preserving important functions whenever possible. They work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, head and neck reconstructive surgeons, speech and swallowing specialists, and other members of the cancer care team to develop individualized treatment plans.

During ongoing treatment and beyond: Head and neck surgeons continue to monitor their patients for cancer recurrence, manage treatment-related effects and help optimize recovery, function and quality of life after cancer therapy. 

An otolaryngologist helps monitor the patient’s response to treatment, adapt the treatment plan as necessary and manage side effects that may impact the patient’s ear, nose or throat health. 

At a comprehensive cancer center like City of Hope, otolaryngology is a highly specialized field dedicated to diagnosis and management of head and neck tumors.