Head and Neck Tumor Specialist in Guatemala
Head and neck tumors require a multidisciplinary oncologic approach.
Surgery, radiotherapy, and medical oncology work together on head and neck tumors. The medical oncologist defines the systemic component: chemotherapy, anti-EGFR therapy, or immunotherapy, based on the stage and profile of each case.
When should you consult Dr. Reynoso?
You were diagnosed with a head or neck tumor and need a medical oncology evaluation
You were recommended chemotherapy as a radiosensitizer and want to know if it's the right treatment
You have recurrent or metastatic disease and are looking for systemic options
You have hoarseness, dysphagia, or a neck mass that isn't improving
You want a second opinion before starting treatment
Your current treatment isn't working
⚡ Consultations Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday | By appointment only
60%+
of oropharyngeal carcinomas in young adults are HPV-positive — better prognosis
30%+
response rate to immunotherapy in recurrent or metastatic disease with PD-L1 ≥1%
8+
years treating head and neck tumors through multidisciplinary coordination
Q600
initial consultation with complete case review and treatment plan
Surgery, radiotherapy, and medical oncology. All three work together.
Head and neck tumors — oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, and salivary glands — are treated with a multidisciplinary approach. In localized disease, chemotherapy boosts the effect of radiotherapy. In recurrent or metastatic disease, immunotherapy and anti-EGFR therapy are the main systemic options.
HPV/p16 status in oropharyngeal tumors is an important prognostic factor — HPV-positive tumors have better treatment response and better prognosis. PD-L1 expression determines access to first-line immunotherapy in recurrent disease.
“In head and neck tumors, the medical oncologist doesn't work alone. The treatment plan is designed in coordination with surgery and radiotherapy — and the systemic component needs to be correctly integrated into that plan.”—Dr. Giovanni Reynoso
Symptoms that require an oncologic evaluation.
Head and neck tumors often produce symptoms in the affected area that should be evaluated when they persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks without improvement.
Neck mass
A palpable lump or mass in the neck that doesn't go away. In adults, a persistent cervical mass without an active infection always requires evaluation — it may be the first sign of a head and neck tumor or a lymphoma.
Persistent hoarseness
A change in voice lasting more than 2 weeks with no benign laryngeal cause. May indicate a laryngeal tumor or tumor extension to the recurrent nerve.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing — solids or liquids. A common symptom in oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic laryngeal tumors.
Persistent one-sided sore throat
One-sided throat pain that doesn't improve with antibiotics. May indicate a tonsillar or oropharyngeal tumor — especially in non-smoking adults.
Oral ulcer that doesn't heal
A lesion in the mouth, tongue, or gum that persists more than 2 to 3 weeks without improving. Requires a biopsy to rule out squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.
Epistaxis or one-sided nasal discharge
One-sided nosebleeds or persistent one-sided nasal discharge. May indicate a nasopharyngeal or paranasal sinus tumor.
Ear pain with no obvious cause
Ear pain without an ear infection — often referred pain from oropharyngeal, laryngeal, or hypopharyngeal tumors.
Do you identify with any of these?
A first one-hour consultation is enough to begin your workup and, if applicable, reach a clear diagnosis
How a head and neck tumor is evaluated in consultation
The medical oncology evaluation of a head and neck tumor defines the systemic component of the multidisciplinary treatment. Dr. Reynoso reviews the histology, stage, and molecular profile to integrate his part into the complete plan.
Complete case review
Medical history, biopsy result with histological subtype, staging with CT or PET-CT, HPV/p16 status in oropharyngeal tumors, and prior treatments.
HPV/p16 and PD-L1 status
HPV/p16 in oropharyngeal carcinomas — an important prognostic factor. PD-L1 expression (CPS) in recurrent or metastatic disease — determines access to first-line pembrolizumab.
Complete staging
CT of the neck, chest, and abdomen or PET-CT to assess local, regional, and distant extension. TNM 8th edition classification with consideration of HPV status in oropharyngeal cases.
Defining the systemic component
In localized disease: cisplatin as a radiosensitizer, or cetuximab for patients not eligible for cisplatin. In recurrent or metastatic disease: pembrolizumab or nivolumab based on PD-L1, with or without chemotherapy.
Multidisciplinary coordination
The treatment plan is designed in coordination with head and neck surgery, radiotherapy, and, when applicable, speech-language and nutritional rehabilitation.
Follow-up and toxicity management
Treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy carries significant toxicities — mucositis, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity. Dr. Reynoso manages the toxicities of the systemic component during and after treatment.
Why consult Dr. Reynoso for a head and neck tumor?
Integrating the systemic component into the multidisciplinary plan
Dr. Reynoso defines chemotherapy, anti-EGFR therapy, or immunotherapy as part of a complete plan — not in isolation. The systemic component needs to be correctly integrated with surgery and radiotherapy in order to work.
Immunotherapy available for recurrent disease
Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are indicated as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck disease. Dr. Reynoso identifies eligible patients based on PD-L1 status and treats them with the correct protocol.
Management of patients not eligible for cisplatin
Patients with reduced kidney function, hearing loss, or poor functional status can't receive cisplatin. Dr. Reynoso evaluates alternatives — cetuximab, carboplatin — so the patient isn't deprived of the systemic component of treatment.
Management of treatment toxicities
Chemoradiation for head and neck tumors produces significant toxicities. Dr. Reynoso oversees the systemic component and manages toxicities so the patient can complete treatment.
Integrating the systemic component into the multidisciplinary plan
Dr. Reynoso defines chemotherapy, anti-EGFR therapy, or immunotherapy as part of a complete plan — not in isolation. The systemic component needs to be correctly integrated with surgery and radiotherapy in order to work.
Immunotherapy available for recurrent disease
Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are indicated as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck disease. Dr. Reynoso identifies eligible patients based on PD-L1 status and treats them with the correct protocol.
Management of patients not eligible for cisplatin
Patients with reduced kidney function, hearing loss, or poor functional status can't receive cisplatin. Dr. Reynoso evaluates alternatives — cetuximab, carboplatin — so the patient isn't deprived of the systemic component of treatment.
Management of treatment toxicities
Chemoradiation for head and neck tumors produces significant toxicities. Dr. Reynoso oversees the systemic component and manages toxicities so the patient can complete treatment.
Received a cancer diagnosis? The next step is a consultation.
First visit, second opinion, or oncologic follow-up — you deserve an oncologist who explains everything.
Medical Oncology in Guatemala City
Dr. Giovanni Reynoso - Oncólogo
Edificio Spazio, 15 avenida y 5 calle 5-50, Vista Hermosa III, Zona 15. Nivel 10, Oficina 10-01Bonanova Health, private hospital specializing in cancer in Zona 15
Office Hours
Monday to Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Care
Dr. Reynoso does not handle emergencies. For oncologic emergencies, go to the nearest hospital.
Coverage Areas
Guatemala City
- • Zona 15, Vista Hermosa I, II, and III
- • Zona 10, 14, 16
- • Zona 9, 13
- • Carretera a El Salvador
Metropolitan Area
- • Mixco
- • Villa Nueva
- • Santa Catarina Pinula
- • San Cristóbal
Departmental Coverage
- • All departments of Guatemala
- • Patients traveling from other parts of the country
- • Zacapa, Chiquimula, Izabal, San Marcos, Petén
International Coverage
- • El Salvador
- • Belize
- • Honduras
- • Costa Rica
Common questions, clear answers
Still have questions? Let’s talk directly on WhatsApp for personalized answers.