Improving the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients is the mission of Apoorva Ramaswamy, MD, a James surgeon who specializes in treating dysphagia. “This is extremely rewarding and at least once a week tears come to my eyes,” Ramaswamy said, adding this often occurs when a patient tells her they are now able to “eat food through their mouth for the first time in years.” In episode, Ramaswamy explains how the life-saving surgery and radiation treatments that head and neck cancer patients undergo can cause scarring and other structural issues that lead to dysphagia, which are swallowing and speech issues. “Every patient is different,” Ramaswamy said, adding this means the treatment strategy and techniques involved are different for every patient. Utilizing reconstructive surgical techniques, Ramaswamy can reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. These issues can be found throughout the digestive tract, from the lips, into the mouth and soft palate, vocal cords, esophagus and stomach. Some patients experience blood pressure problems. Ramaswamy also explained how clinical trials and her collaboration with head and neck cancer surgeons and radiation oncologists are leading to reduce the side effects of treatment. “This is a very exciting time,” she said.