Holly McMillan M.C.D. CCC-SLP, LMP, CLT is a Senior Research Speech Language Pathologist and Co-Director of Trismus Clinic at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas School of Public Health, a licensed massage therapist, and certified lymphedema therapist with expertise in oncology and head and neck cancer rehabilitation. Ms. McMillan leads the manual therapy service lines within the head and neck surgery department and specializes in fibrosis and lymphedema management. She is a co-investigator and collaborator on several active NIH-funded clinical trials in head and neck cancer survivorship.  

Course Title: 

Head & Neck Cancers: Head and Neck Cancer 101

Course Description:

Head and Neck Cancer 101 introduces massage therapists and estheticians to the core treatments for HNC, the different phases of tissue implications, and modifications for our care. This session also reviews manual therapy research in oncology care, bridging evidence with practical adaptations to techniques, timing, and expectations across the survivorship continuum.

Course Outcome:

Attendees will be able to answer: What are the primary treatments for HNC? How prevalent is HNC? How is HPV-related HNC different from non-HPV? Are there phases to be mindful of during recovery? What are some practical adaptations I can make in my treatment for patients with HNC?