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Joseph Zenga, MD

Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Research

Location

  • Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital
  • 8800 West Doyne Ave.
  • Milwaukee, WI 53226

Specialties

  • Otolaryngology
  • Head and Neck Surgery

Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital

The diagnosis of head and neck cancer can be overwhelming for patients and families. I believe that every patient deserves compassionate and comprehensive care with a clear and detailed explanation of all available treatment options. I personally strive to help each patient navigate these complex treatment decisions as an individual, to enable them to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Our multi-disciplinary management team offers truly comprehensive cancer care, to achieve the best possible outcomes of cancer treatment, to optimize function and quality of life after therapy, and provide the needed support in the months and years that follow.

Overview

Diseases and Conditions

  • Head and Neck Cancer
  • Parotid and Salivary Gland Tumors
  • Skull Base Tumors
  • Oral Cancer
  • Laryngeal Cancer
  • Lip Cancer
  • Melanoma of the Head and Neck
  • Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
  • Sinus Cancer
  • Tonsil Cancer

Treatments and Services

  • Anterior Skull Base Surgery
  • Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
  • Laryngotracheal Reconstruction
  • Transoral Robotic Surgery
  • Transoral Laser Microsurgery
  • Parathyroid and Thyroid Surgery
  • Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction
  • Virtual Visit

Patients Ages Seen

  • Infant
  • Child
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Senior

Languages

  • English

Hospital Affiliations

  • Froedtert Hospital – Milwaukee

Board Certifications

  • Head and Neck Surgery
  • Otolaryngology

Clinic Locations

map of clinics' locations

Biography

Dr. Zenga obtained his undergraduate degree at Cornell University and attended Washington University in Saint Louis where he earned an MD degree and completed an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Skullbase Surgery, and Microvascular Reconstruction at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School. His fellowship training focused heavily on both complex free tissue reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery with the use of surgical robots. His research interests include basic and translational immunotherapy in head and neck cancer. In particular, his laboratory focuses on identification and therapeutic use of tumor antigen-specific T cells. This includes multiple innovative single-cell techniques incorporating individual tumor cell-T cell co-culture and single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing. In addition to translational immuno-oncology, he also co-leads multiple novel clinical trials focused on using radiotherapy to improve the immune response in head and neck cancer.

Education and Training

Doctor of Medicine - Washington University School of Medicine - St. Louis, MO (2012)
Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Skullbase Surgery, and Microvascular Reconstruction - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School - Boston, MA (2017-2018)
Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University - Saint Louis, MO (2013-2017)