San Diego head and neck services

This surgical option provides patients with a safe, minimally invasive way to find relief from sinusitis. As a minimally invasive surgery, balloon sinuplasty™ is performed using soft, flexible balloons so there is no cutting or removal or bone or tissue.
 
Balloon sinuplasty offers a faster recovery, less pain and less blood loss than traditional surgery and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
 
If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medication treatment, you may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. You and your doctor should discuss your medical history, potential risks and other factors to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Our expert team is pioneering new ways to treat head and neck cancers. We use advanced technology to help diagnose these diseases and provide the most accurate and effective treatments.

Specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the head and neck (mouth, throat and larynx).

• Performs diagnostic exams, biopsies and surgeries

• Removes tumors or affected tissues

• Manages post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation

• Assists with speech, swallowing and breathing issues

Specializes in using radiation to target and treat cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues.

• Plans and administers radiation therapies

• Conducts imaging and develops treatment plans

• Manages treatment side effects

• Collaborates with medical oncologists for coordinated care

Specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing cancer with systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

• Oversees chemotherapy and other systemic treatments

• Develops personalized treatment plans

• Monitors progress and adjusts treatment as needed

• Coordinates care with other specialists

Guides patients through their cancer treatment journey, offering emotional and logistical support.

• Provides patient education

• Coordinates appointments and follow-up care

• Helps with insurance, financial and logistical concerns

• Connects patients and their families to resources

Supports nutritional health and helps manage diet-related issues caused by cancer treatment, such as swallowing difficulties, pain and mouth sores.

• Develops personalized nutrition plans

• Provides guidance on managing treatment side effects that affect eating

• Addresses weight management and hydration

• Educates patients on dietary changes to improve recovery

Helps patients with communication and swallowing issues that may be caused by surgery or radiation.

• Assesses speech, language and swallowing difficulties

• Provides personalized rehabilitation plans

• Uses exercises and strategies to maintain or improve function

• Offers assistive devices and diet modification recommendations

Manages lymphedema — swelling that can be caused by surgery or radiation therapy.

• Diagnoses and evaluates lymphedema

• Provides therapies, such as compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage and exercises

• Educates patients on self-care techniques

• Collaborates with other physical rehabilitation therapists for coordinated care

Assists with the social and psychological challenges of cancer treatment.

• Provides emotional and psychological counseling

• Offers support in coping with the emotional impacts of cancer

• Connects patients and their families to additional support services and resources

Evaluates the patient’s oral health before cancer treatment to identify potential complications.

• Screens for infections, decayed teeth and gum disease

• Recommends dental work to reduce the risk of complications during cancer treatment

• Gives guidance on maintaining oral hygiene and managing potential oral side effects of cancer treatment

• Provides routine checkups and preventive care every 3 months after cancer treatment is completed

At Sharp HealthCare, we provide a full range of otolaryngology services — from ear, nose and throat care to care of the head and neck. And our services are offered at locations across San Diego, making it easy for you to get the care you need, when you need it.

We offer expert otolaryngology care at our acute-care hospitals across San Diego — Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital.

There are two simple ways to find the right doctor for you:

• Search online for a head and neck surgeon with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool.

• Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, to speak with one of our specially trained physician referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.

In some cases, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor.

Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage.

If you are an existing patient with a Sharp-affiliated head and neck surgeon (meaning you have seen your doctor at least once), simply call the doctor’s office to make an appointment.

Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.