Richard B. Cannon
( out of 204 reviews )

Richard B. Cannon, MD

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Clinical Locations

Huntsman Cancer Institute - Cancer Hospital South

Salt Lake City
801-587-4566
Directions

  • Richard Cannon, MD is a surgeon at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and assistant professor of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Utah. He is board-certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and fellowship trained in head and neck surgical oncology, microvascular reconstruction, and advanced robotic surgery by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). He performs the full spectrum of head and neck cancer surgery, including diagnosis and treatment of tumors in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid, and neck. He has additional expertise in microvascular reconstruction following head and neck cancer surgery and minimally invasive robotic surgery for removal of tumors in the throat through the mouth (Transoral Robotic Surgery). He also performs advanced craniofacial trauma and skull base surgery. Dr. Cannon is dedicated to providing each patient with the absolute best possible outcome and treating patients with the same care he would provide members of his own family.

    Dr. Cannon graduated cum laude from Pomona College, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society. He completed his residency training at the University of Utah, where he held the position of chief resident. He then completed his fellowship training at the University of Washington in Seattle with the world-renowned head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgeon, Neal D. Futran, MD, DMD.

    Since completing his training, Dr. Cannon has dedicated himself to advanced reconstructive and oncologic care for patients with head and neck cancer. He is passionate about clinical outcomes research utilizing large national databases, in an effort to improve cancer survival. His research focuses on treatment for head and neck tumors and rehabilitation through surgery. Dr. Cannon has authored numerous studies in medical journals and book chapters, as well as given several national presentations related to living through head and neck cancer with the best functional and quality of life outcomes possible. He serves on the national committees (AAO-HNS) for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology and (AHNS) Publications. Since his appointment at the University of Utah, he has worked towards improving patient’s outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. He is also on the University of Utah Robotic Surgery committee and currently serves as the medical director of the Huntsman Cancer Hospital’s inpatient surgical floor.

    Dr. Cannon has been married to his wife Amy for 7 years and has three wonderful young sons, Cole, Luke and Will. He likes living in the Wasatch Mountains where he enjoys water and snow skiing, biking, hiking, running, and playing soccer.

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

    Patient Rating

    5.0 /5
    ( out of 204 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    June 13, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    He was very professional but also kind.

    May 19, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Outstanding. He listened, discussed treatment, made me totally comfortable

    May 04, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Dr Cannon is wonderful. He is the doctor you always wished you had. Caring, understanding, thoughtful, and very smart. He is a gifted surgeon to boot! He will explain thing to you and make a decision with you and not for you. All around great guy. I consider myself lucky that he took me on as a patient. He took wonderful care of me because he genuinely cares.

    April 29, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Very nice guy. Seemed to care and made special efforts to be sure I understood my condition and treatment.

    April 26, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Doctor and his staff were great. Very professional and kept me in the loop about everything going on with my visit.

    April 10, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Dr. Cannon was very knowledgeable in his assessment of my medical condition which others had failed to diagnose even after 3 biopsies. He was clear in his explanation and treatment plan. I am now confident knowing that my cancer is treatable and I am in the care of a skilled and competent surgeon.

    March 01, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Dr. Cannon is an amazing doctor. I know cancer is a tricky business but I feel very confident Dr. Cannon is out for my best interest as I am sure he is with everyone else. I am very thankful for both him and his team that worked on me.

    February 27, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Dr. Cannon is careful and empathetic. The staff is helpful.

    February 04, 2025
    HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

    Very good bedside manner. Took the time to explain post operative progress. Listened to and answered my questions and concerns.

  • Richard Cannon, MD is a surgeon at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and assistant professor of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Utah. He is board-certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and fellowship trained in head and neck surgical oncology, microvascular reconstruction, and advanced robotic surgery by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). He performs the full spectrum of head and neck cancer surgery, including diagnosis and treatment of tumors in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid, and neck. He has additional expertise in microvascular reconstruction following head and neck cancer surgery and minimally invasive robotic surgery for removal of tumors in the throat through the mouth (Transoral Robotic Surgery). He also performs advanced craniofacial trauma and skull base surgery. Dr. Cannon is dedicated to providing each patient with the absolute best possible outcome and treating patients with the same care he would provide members of his own family.

    Dr. Cannon graduated cum laude from Pomona College, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society. He completed his residency training at the University of Utah, where he held the position of chief resident. He then completed his fellowship training at the University of Washington in Seattle with the world-renowned head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgeon, Neal D. Futran, MD, DMD.

    Since completing his training, Dr. Cannon has dedicated himself to advanced reconstructive and oncologic care for patients with head and neck cancer. He is passionate about clinical outcomes research utilizing large national databases, in an effort to improve cancer survival. His research focuses on treatment for head and neck tumors and rehabilitation through surgery. Dr. Cannon has authored numerous studies in medical journals and book chapters, as well as given several national presentations related to living through head and neck cancer with the best functional and quality of life outcomes possible. He serves on the national committees (AAO-HNS) for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology and (AHNS) Publications. Since his appointment at the University of Utah, he has worked towards improving patient’s outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. He is also on the University of Utah Robotic Surgery committee and currently serves as the medical director of the Huntsman Cancer Hospital’s inpatient surgical floor.

    Dr. Cannon has been married to his wife Amy for 7 years and has three wonderful young sons, Cole, Luke and Will. He likes living in the Wasatch Mountains where he enjoys water and snow skiing, biking, hiking, running, and playing soccer.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery -Associate Professor (Clinical)
    Board Certification
    American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

    Education history

    Fellowship Head and Neck Surgical Oncology with Microvascular Reconstruction and Advanced Robotic Surgery - University of Washington School of Medicine Fellow
    Chief Resident Otolaryngology - University of Utah School of Medicine Chief Resident
    Residency Otolaryngology - University of Utah School of Medicine Resident
    Professional Medical Medicine - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio M.D.
    Undergraduate Major: Biology; Minor: Mathematics - Pomona College B.A.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Keefe K, McCrary HC, Wei M, Mark B, Drejet S, Cannon RB, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Dodson M, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Monroe MM, Hashibe M (2024). Risk of cardiovascular disease among head and neck cancer survivors: A population-based matched cohort study. Oral Oncol, 159, 107041. (Read full article)
    2. Bellamkonda N, Farlow JL, Haring CT, Sim MW, Seim NB, Cannon RB, Monroe MM, Agrawal A, Rocco JW, McCrary HC (2024). Evaluating the Accuracy of ChatGPT in Common Patient Questions Regarding HPV+ Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 133(9), 814-819. (Read full article)
    3. Khurana N, Babajanian E, McCrary H, Pulsipher A, Ghandehari H, Alt JA, Cannon RB (2023). Vascular permeability in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancers aids in fluorescent image-guided transoral robotic surgery using indocyanine green. Head Neck, 45(7), 1728-1740. (Read full article)
    4. Rock CB, Hutten RJ, Weil CR, Lloyd S, Kerrigan KC, Cannon RB, Hitchcock YJ (2022). Survival outcomes for patients with T3N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis treated with definitive radiation alone versus chemoradiation. Head Neck, 45(2), 431-438. (Read full article)
    5. Dunklebarger MF, McCrary H, King B, Carpenter P, Buchmann L, Hunt J, Cannon R (2022). Success of Implantable Doppler Probes for Monitoring Buried Free Flaps. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 167(3), 452-456. (Read full article)
    6. Hu B, Patel JL, Tao R, Cannon RB, Monroe M, Goyal G (2022). Near Complete Response to Trametinib Treatment in Histiocytic Sarcoma Harboring a Somatic KRAS Mutation. J Natl Compr Canc Netw, 20(6), 1-4. (Read full article)
    7. Fenlon JB, Hutten RJ, Weil CR, Lloyd S, Cannon DM, Kerrigan K, Cannon RB, Hitchcock YJ (2021). Comparing adjuvant radiation to adjuvant chemoradiation in postsurgical p16+ oropharyngeal carcinoma patients with extranodal extension or positive margins. Head Neck, 44(3), 606-614. (Read full article)
    8. Carpenter P, McCrary HC, Aylward A, Cerrati E, Hunt JP, Buchmann LO, Cannon RB (2021). Penetrating Trauma Rapid Estimated Disability Scale: Assessing Facial Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med, 23(6), 455-459. (Read full article)
    9. McCrary HC, McLean SR, Luman A, OSullivan P, Smith B, Cannon RB (2021). A National Survey of Robotic Surgery Training Among Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residents. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 130(9), 1085-1092. (Read full article)
    10. Cash H, Harbison RA, Futran N, Parvathaneni U, Laramore GE, Liao J, Cannon R, Rodriguez C, Houlton JJ (2020). Neutron Therapy for High-Grade Salivary Carcinomas in the Adjuvant and Primary Treatment Setting. Laryngoscope, 131(3), 541-547. (Read full article)
    11. McCrary HC, Newberry CI, Casazza GC, Cannon RB, Ramirez AL, Meier JD (2020). Evaluation of opioid prescription patterns among patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Head Neck, 43(3), 903-908. (Read full article)
    12. Harbison RA, Gray AJ, Westling T, Carone M, Rodriguez CP, Futran ND, Cannon RB, Houlton J (2019). The role of elective neck dissection in high-grade parotid malignancy: A hospital-based cohort study. Laryngoscope, 130(6), 1487-1495. (Read full article)
    13. Aylward A, Park J, Abdelaziz S, Hunt JP, Buchmann LO, Cannon RB, Rowe K, Snyder J, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Wan Y, Fraser A, Smith K, Lloyd S, Hitchcock Y, Hashibe M, Monroe MM (2020). Individualized prediction of late-onset dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors. Head Neck, 42(4), 708-718. (Read full article)
    14. McCrary HC, Cannon RB, Buchmann LO (2019). Some Considerations in Treating Malignant Head and Neck Paragangliomas-Reply. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 146(2), 210-211. (Read full article)
    15. Aylward A, Abdelaziz S, Hunt JP, Buchmann LO, Cannon RB, Lloyd S, Hitchcock Y, Hashibe M, Monroe MM (2019). Rates of Dysphagia-Related Diagnoses in Long-Term Survivors of Head and Neck Cancers. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 161(4), 643-651. (Read full article)
    16. McCrary HC, Babajanian E, Calquin M, Carpenter P, Casazza G, Naumer A, Greenberg S, Kohlmann W, Cannon R, Monroe MM, Hunt JP, Buchmann L (2019). Characterization of Malignant Head and Neck Paragangliomas at a Single Institution Across Multiple Decades. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 145(7), 641-646. (Read full article)
    17. Cannon RB, Kull AJ, Carpenter PS, Francis S, Buchmann LO, Monroe MM, Lloyd S, Hitchcock YJ, Cannon D, Weis JR, Houlton JJ, Hunt JP (2019). Adjuvant radiation for positive margins in adult head and neck sarcomas is associated with improved survival: Analysis of the National Cancer Database. Head Neck, 41(6), 1873-1879. (Read full article)
    18. Gobillot TA, Kaka AS, Patel SA, Rodriguez C, Cannon RB, Futran ND, Houlton JJ (2018). Treatment of Tonsillar Carcinoma following Nononcologic Tonsillectomy: Efficacy of Transoral Robotic Revision Tonsillectomy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 160(4), 627-634. (Read full article)
    19. Dundar Y, Cannon R, Wiggins R, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP (2018). Orbital invasion routes of non-melanoma skin cancers and survival outcomes. Orbit, 37(6), 405-410. (Read full article)
    20. Carpenter PS, Shepherd HM, McCrary H, Torrecillas V, Kull A, Hunt JP, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Cannon RB (2018). Association of Celecoxib Use With Decreased Opioid Requirements After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery With Free Tissue Reconstruction. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 144(11), 988-994. (Read full article)
    21. Cannon RB, Shepherd HM, McCrary H, Carpenter PS, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Houlton JJ, Monroe MM (2018). Association of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act With Insurance Coverage for Head and Neck Cancer in the SEER Database. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 144(11), 1052-1057. (Read full article)
    22. Cannon RB, Houlton JJ, Patel S, Raju S, Noble A, Futran ND, Parvathaneni U, Mndez E (2018). Patterns of cervical node positivity, regional failure rates, and fistula rates for HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Oral Oncol, 86, 296-300. (Read full article)
    23. Torrecillas V, Shepherd HM, Francis S, Buchmann LO, Monroe MM, Lloyd S, Cannon D, Hitchcock YJ, Weis JR, Hunt JP, Houlton JJ, Cannon RB (2018). Adjuvant radiation for T1-2N1 oral cavity cancer survival outcomes and utilization treatment trends: Analysis of the SEER database. Oral Oncol, 85, 1-7. (Read full article)
    24. Cannon RB, Carpenter PS, Boothe D, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Lloyd S, Hitchcock YJ, Houlton JJ, Weis JR, Shepherd HM, Monroe MM (2018). Academic Facility Utilization and Survival Outcomes in Adult Head and Neck Sarcomas: An NCDB Analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 159(3), 473-483. (Read full article)
    25. Dundar Y, Cannon RB, Hunt JP, Monroe M, Suneja G, Hitchcock YJ (2018). Radiotherapy regimens in patients with nonmelanoma head and neck skin cancers. Int J Dermatol, 57(4), 441-448. (Read full article)
    26. Thomas AJ, Larson MO, Braden S, Cannon RB, Ward PD (2017). Effect of 3 Commercially Available Botulinum Toxin Neuromodulators on Facial Synkinesis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Facial Plast Surg, 20(2), 141-147. (Read full article)
    27. Cannon RB, Houlton JJ, Mendez E, Futran ND (2017). Methods to reduce postoperative surgical site infections after head and neck oncology surgery. Lancet Oncol, 18(7), e405-e413. (Read full article)
    28. Sowder JC, Cannon RB, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Hitchcock Y, Lloyd S, Grossmann KF, Monroe MM (2017). Treatment-related determinants of survival in early-stage (T1-2N0M0) oral cavity cancer: A population-based study. Head Neck, 39(5), 876-880. (Read full article)
    29. Dundar Y, Cannon RB, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP (2016). Skull Base Invasion Patterns and Survival Outcomes of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base, 78(2), 164-172. (Read full article)
    30. Cannon RB, Dundar Y, Thomas A, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Witt BL, Sowder AM, Hunt JP (2017). Elective Neck Dissection for Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Skull Base Invasion. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 156(4), 671-676. (Read full article)
    31. Cannon RB, Wiggins RH 3rd, Witt BL, Dundar Y, Johnston TM, Hunt JP (2017). Imaging and Outcomes for a New Entity: Low-Grade Sinonasal Sarcoma with Neural and Myogenic Features. J Neurol Surg Rep, 78(1), e15-e19. (Read full article)
    32. Cannon RB, Sowder JC, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Hitchcock YJ, Lloyd S, Grossman KF, Monroe MM (2017). Increasing use of nonsurgical therapy in advanced-stage oral cavity cancer: A population-based study. Head Neck, 39(1), 82-91. (Read full article)
    33. Cannon RB, Thomson RS, Shelton C, Gurgel RK (2016). Long-term Outcomes After Middle Fossa Approach for Traumatic Facial Nerve Paralysis. Otol Neurotol, 37(6), 799-804. (Read full article)
    34. Buchmann L, Ashby S, Cannon RB, Hunt JP (2015). Psychosocial distress in patients with thyroid cancer. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 152(4), 644-9. (Read full article)
    35. Cannon RB, Gurgel RK, Warren FM, Shelton C (2015). Facial nerve outcomes after middle fossa decompression for Bell's palsy. Otol Neurotol, 36(3), 513-8. (Read full article)

    Review

    1. McCrary HC, Dunklebarger MF, Fechter BJ, Drejet SM, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP, Cannon RB (2024). Early ambulation after fibular free flap surgery is associated with reduced length of stay, increased mobility independence, and discharge to home. [Review]. Head Neck, 46(5), 1160-1167. (Read full article)

    Book Chapter

    1. Cannon RB, McCrary HC, Sharma J, Carpenter PS (). Infection Peri Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction. In Wei FC, El Deek N, Meningaud JP, Futran ND (Eds.), Mastery of Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Head and Neck. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
    2. McCrary HC, Monroe MM, Cannon RB (). Head and Neck Neoplasms. In Karsy M, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Guan J, and Nirula R (Eds.), The Surgical Handbook (pp. 144-152). New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
    3. Babajanian E, McCrary HC, Cannon RB (). Airway Management/Tracheostomy. In Karsy M, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Guan J, and Nirula R (Eds.), The Surgical Handbook (pp. 101-108). New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
    4. Hunt JP, Cannon RB (2016). Parathyroid Carcinoma. In David JT, William D (Eds.), Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases: Medical and Surgical Management (2nd Edition). Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

    Case Report

    1. Cohen MA, Cannon RB, Couldwell WT (2020). Resection of Invasive Sphenoorbital and Cavernous Sinus Meningioma via Frontotemporal Craniotomy. World Neurosurg, 141, 252. (Read full article)
    2. Cannon RB, Wiggins RH 3rd, Witt BL, Dundar Y, Johnston TM, Hunt JP (2017). Imaging and Outcomes for a New Entity: Low-Grade Sinonasal Sarcoma with Neural and Myogenic Features. J Neurol Surg Rep, 78(1), e15-e19. (Read full article)

    Letter

    1. McCrary HC, Cannon RB, Buchmann LO (2019). Response Regarding Characterization of Malignant Head and Neck Paragangliomas at a Single Institution Across Multiple Decades [Letter to the editor]. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
    2. Cannon RB, Shelton C, Gurgel RK (2017). Response Regarding Combined Transmastoid and Middle Fossa Approach. [Letter to the editor]. Otol Neurotol, 38(2), 304. (Read full article)

    Other

    1. Fenlon JB, Hutten RJ, Weil CR, Lloyd S, Cannon DM, Kerrigan K, Cannon RB, Hitchcock YJ (2021). Comparing adjuvant radiation to adjuvant chemoradiation in postsurgical p16+ oropharyngeal carcinoma patients with extranodal extension or positive margins. Head Neck (44(3), pp. 606-614). United States. (Read full article)
    2. Dundar Y, Cannon RB, Monroe MM, Buchmann LO, Hunt JP (2016). Erratum: Skull Base Invasion Patterns and Survival Outcomes of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base (78(2), pp. e2-e4). Germany. (Read full article)