Mercy Clinic

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ashley, our amazing Physician Assistant. She goes above and beyond for all of her patients! We are glad you were born!

It’s all about the patients Greg told us today that Cancer Sucks!...but my team is awesome! He had tonsil cancer and is now 1.5 years cancer free! Many people don’t realize who all is included in that team he is referring to surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, voice/swallow specialists, dieticians, nurse navigators, medical assistants, ... and the list goes on! Cancer does suck, but working as a team ...to take care of our patients is what we love! #cancersucks #headandneckcancer #cancerfree

Head and Neck Cancers are often treated with radiationeither by itself or in conjunction with surgery and sometimes chemotherapy medications. Radiation masks are used during this process to hold the head still so that the appropriate area receives treatment. One of our wonderful patients recently turned her mask into a work of art! Notice the dart in the neck, which is where she first noticed a swollen lymph node that led to her diagnosis. What a beautiful way to commemorate her cancer treatment and celebrate being nearly 5 years cancer free!

The annual meeting of American Head & Neck Society is happening in Austin, TX. Keynote speakers this year are renowned economist Michael Porter and Admiral William McCraven.

This week Dr. Daniel Pinheiro spoke at the ‘Mercy Seniors’ luncheon. The group meets regularly for fun and educational events. This week the topic was Head & Neck Cancer! They learned about risks for head & neck cancer, signs and symptoms they should report to a provider, HPV-related cancers, and some of the ways in which head & neck cancers are treated. The More You Know

The more you know! #oralheadandneckcancerawarenessweek https://www.enthealth.org//50-facts-about-oral-head-and-n/

This year in the United States over 65,000 people will develop head and neck cancer. Awareness, early detection, and prompt evaluation are key! At Mercy we have many excellent clinicians who work together to provide our patients with the best possible cancer treatment.

Early detection is best! Mercy, with the help of several other organizations, is having a cancer screening event. Just like last year, our team will be there to complete free Head & Neck Cancer screenings. Click the link for more event info! https://www.facebook.com/events/2038928036184696/?ti=ia

Here are Dr. Ben Hodnett, MD, PhD and Ashley Hrabik-Abraham, PA-C in action! They are a big part of our Head & Neck Surgery team. Dr. Hodnett specializes in treating cancers of the head and neck. He is trained in surgical reconstruction, and can use tissue from other areas of the body to improve outcomes for our patients with head and neck cancer. We are thankful to be able to do such amazing work here at Mercy Springfield!

Many of the throat cancers we treat are related to HPV. Understanding some of the information below is important for prevention, early detection, and treatment. https://www.ahns.info/prevention-early-detection/