ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Patients in Western North Carolina have access to comprehensive, specialized care for head and neck cancers right in their community, thanks to the expert team at HCA Healthcare’s Mission Hospital. Led by Dr. Paul Davis and Dr. Steven Dennis, the multidisciplinary group provides advanced care for both benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, combining surgical expertise with cutting-edge therapies.
This team is recognized for performing complex, high-precision surgeries in areas ranging from the skull base and temporal bone to the salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid, voice box, throat, sinuses, and even tumors extending into the eye or ear. Some procedures can be performed entirely through the throat, allowing patients to avoid external incisions and experience faster recoveries.
“Our team uses leading-edge technology and evidence-based care to maintain the highest standards for our patients,” says Dr. Steven Dennis. “We’ve been early adopters of immunotherapy in head and neck cancer care, allowing us to adapt to the evolving landscape of oncology while providing personalized treatment plans.”
The team works closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Patients benefit from a streamlined experience, with consultations, imaging, and treatments often coordinated on the same day—especially helpful for those traveling from outside the region. This collaborative model includes support from social workers, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other care providers.
“The multidisciplinary approach allows us to provide the most comprehensive care for patients with complex head and neck cancers in Western North Carolina,” explains Dr. Paul Davis, Medical Director of Head and Neck Oncology. “We tailor every treatment plan individually, ensuring each patient receives care specific to their condition and needs.”
The team treats a wide range of conditions, including:
- Carotid body and paraganglioma tumors
- Facial nerve and salivary gland tumors
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers
- Oral, mouth, throat, and oropharyngeal cancers
- Skull base, temporal bone, and voice box tumors
- Thyroid and parathyroid gland tumors
- Tumors affecting the eye, nose, sinus, and ear
- Pre-malignancies and skin cancers
Dr. Davis, a Wake Forest University graduate who completed a prestigious fellowship in Auckland, brings extensive expertise in complex head and neck oncology and a lifelong dedication to patient care. His career began with hands-on work as a patient transport worker, fostering an early understanding of compassionate care.
Dr. Dennis, from a family of physicians, found his passion in head and neck surgery after exploring other career paths. Known for his meticulous technique, he specializes in reconstructing facial structures to restore both function and confidence, understanding the profound impact this work has on patients’ quality of life. Together, Drs. Davis and Dennis provide advanced care that allows patients in Western North Carolina to receive specialty-level treatment close to home.
The collaboration across HCA Healthcare and our multidisciplinary team ensures patients benefit from both expertise and comprehensive support. The goal of the team at Mission Hospital is to provide high-quality, patient-centered oncology care in a way that is accessible, efficient, and supportive for the entire family.
For residents of Western North Carolina facing head and neck cancers, Mission Hospital offers innovative surgical options, personalized treatment plans, and holistic support services—all delivered by a team committed to excellence in patient care.
To schedule a consultation, patients can call Mission Health’s Head and Neck Specialists of Western North Carolina at 828-213-2510.
