Head & Neck Oncology

Family and Cancer Care: Stories from the University of Maryland Medical Center

Many of us are celebrating renewal at this time of year. For family members who have cancer survivors, the celebration means an additional fresh start. I, too, have a family member who just completed the ordeal of radiation and chemotherapy for oral cancer. He is just now able to taste one flavor a little bit -- chocolate.

Oral Cancer Survivor Credits Speedy Access to Care, Expert Team and Caring Staff with His Successful Treatment

John Stebbing knows he is one of the lucky ones. His cancer was caught at an early stage, which gives him the best chance for long-term survival. He also feels fortunate to have found his way to some of the best cancer specialists in the country to treat his disease...

Oral Cancer Survivor Says She Was "Cared For By the Best" at UMMC

Jennifer Grogan was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tounge in June, 1994 when she was only 21. Her physician referred her to Dr. Robert Ord, the chief of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a professor at the University of Maryland Dental School.

Head and Neck Cancer Patient Grateful for Experienced, Caring Radiation Oncology Team

David McElmurray, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, was diagnosed with throat cancer in March, 2007, and received his treatment in the Head and Neck Oncology program at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. He and his wife and caregiver, Donna McElmurray, recently...

Surviving the Perfect Storm: A Journey of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Louis Schwarz refers to his experience with cancer as a "perfect storm." That compelling image - of a series of unlikely events coming together to produce a very powerful outcome - perfectly describes what led to his diagnosis and successful treatment for throat cancer.

Oral Cancer Patient says She Received "Fantastic Care" at the University of Maryland Medical Center

In February of 1998, Marsha Reichman underwent a partial glossectomy for tongue cancer. Eight years later she is doing well and says "I am very grateful that I was recommended to Dr. Robert Ord and feel that is why I am still here. I think Dr. Ord is a phenemonal surgeon, and the best physician for..."

Innovative Radiation Therapy Provides Hope for Cancer Patient

In his role as manager of an elegant French restaurant in his adopted home of Annapolis, MD, Paris native Gerard Balageas presents a calm, understated demeanor that puts guests at ease. His personal life for the past three years, however, has been anything but serene, as he struggled with a life-threatening disease. Innovative treatment for his cancer at the University of Maryland Medical Center's Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC), however, has provided hope for the future for Balageas, his American wife and their two young daughters.