Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
Solymar Torres, MD
Head and neck cancer surgeon and microvascular reconstructive surgeon with Memorial Healthcare System, seeing patients in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Florida.
- Fellowship · MUSC
- Residency · UCLA
- MD · Penn
- English · Español
About
Comprehensive care for head and neck cancer
Dr. Solymar Torres is a head and neck surgical oncologist and microvascular reconstructive surgeon with Memorial Physician Group and the Memorial Cancer Institute in South Florida. She treats benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, and performs tumor removal and comprehensive reconstruction, including complex microvascular free flap surgery, to restore both form and function after cancer treatment.
Her approach to patient care is rooted in holistic care, empathy and the relentless pursuit of excellence. She is committed to understanding each patient’s unique story and to being a supportive presence throughout their journey, however complex their case. She works closely with a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible surgical outcomes and recovery.
Her father’s experience with cancer first inspired her to pursue medicine, and her patients continue to inspire her every day. She was drawn to head and neck surgical oncology by the deep connections formed with patients, the intricate anatomy, and a rapidly evolving field that offers constant opportunities to innovate.
Dr. Torres completed her fellowship in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction at the Medical University of South Carolina, her residency in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at UCLA, and her medical degree at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Puerto Rico, she earned her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. She sees patients in English and Spanish.
Areas of care
Conditions and procedures
Care for benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, from diagnosis and surgery through reconstruction and recovery.
Oral cavity cancer
Cancers and tumors of the tongue, floor of mouth, gums, cheeks, lips and jaw.
Throat & laryngeal cancer
Cancers of the throat and voice box.
Skin cancer of the head & neck
Advanced skin cancers of the face, scalp and neck, including melanoma.
Salivary gland tumors
Benign and malignant tumors of the parotid and other salivary glands.
Thyroid & parathyroid disorders
Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer and parathyroid disease.
Skull base tumors
Benign and malignant tumors involving the base of the skull, between the brain and the structures of the face and neck.
Parapharyngeal & carotid sheath tumors
Tumors deep in the upper neck beside the throat, including tumors around the carotid artery and nearby nerves, such as paragangliomas and schwannomas.
Tumor removal & reconstruction
Head and neck tumor surgery with comprehensive reconstruction to restore form and function. See reconstructive options.
Reconstruction
Reconstructive options
After a tumor is removed, Dr. Torres plans reconstruction around each patient’s needs, with the goal of restoring appearance and function, including speech, swallowing and chewing.
Skin substitutes and local tissue
A lab-engineered scaffold that helps the body grow new tissue over a wound, often used for scalp and skin defects.
Nearby skin is moved into the defect, giving a close match in color and texture for the face and scalp.
Regional flaps
Skin and fat from under the chin, kept on its own blood supply, used for defects of the mouth, face and neck.
Thin skin from the shoulder area above the collarbone, used for defects of the neck, face and throat.
Free flaps
Tissue is moved from another part of the body, and its blood vessels are reconnected to vessels in the neck under a microscope (microvascular surgery).
Skin and soft tissue from the outer thigh, often used for the tongue, throat and large soft-tissue defects.
Bone from the lower leg, with or without skin, used to rebuild the lower or upper jaw. It can later support dental implants.
Bone and soft tissue from the shoulder blade, used for complex jaw and midface reconstruction.
A broad muscle from the back, used to cover large defects such as those of the scalp and skull base.
Thin skin and fat from the side of the back, below the armpit. It is supplied by small perforating vessels, so the latissimus muscle is spared. Used for defects of the mouth, face, neck and scalp.
Thin, pliable skin from the inner forearm, often used for the tongue, floor of the mouth and throat.
Training
Education & appointments
- 2026 – PresentSurgeon, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Microvascular ReconstructionMemorial Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Memorial Healthcare System · Hollywood & Pembroke Pines, FL
- 2025 – 2026Fellowship, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Microvascular ReconstructionMedical University of South Carolina · Charleston, SC
- 2020 – 2025Residency, Otolaryngology – Head & Neck SurgeryDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA · Los Angeles, CA
- 2015 – 2020Doctor of MedicinePerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania · Certificates in Health Services Research and Academic Surgery
- 2011 – 2015BS, Cell and Molecular Biology, summa cum laudeUniversity of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
Research
Selected publications
Member of the American Head and Neck Society, the Triological Society, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.
- A Novel Imaging Technique to Identify Vocal Fold Scar FormationMaldonado ST, Yu A, Alhiyari Y, et al. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 2026. doi
- Mucosal emphysematous head and neck infections: scoping review and a case of emphysematous tonsillitisMoffatt C, Maldonado ST, Evans LK, et al. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 2024. doi
- Head and Neck Melanoma: What is the Goal for Margins?Torres Maldonado S, Tam K, Han AY, St John MA. Laryngoscope, 2022. doi
- Role of elective neck dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy in patients with polymorphous adenocarcinomaCivantos AM, et al., Torres-Maldonado S, et al. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2021. doi
- Learning active sensing strategies using a sensory brain-machine interfaceRichardson AG, et al., Torres-Maldonado S, et al. PNAS, 2019. doi
- Recent Trends in Vestibular Schwannoma Management: An 11-year analysis of the National Cancer DatabaseTorres-Maldonado S, Naples J, Fathy R, et al. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2019. doi
Appointments
Request an appointment
Dr. Torres sees patients with the Memorial Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at two offices, in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines. To schedule a visit at either location or send a referral, please call 954-265-1700.
Se habla español. Para hacer una cita, llame al 954-265-1700 o vea esta página en español.
- Hollywood
- Memorial Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
1150 North 35th Avenue, Suite 670
Hollywood, FL 33021
Directions - Pembroke Pines
- Memorial Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
601 North Flamingo Road, Suite 307
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Directions - Phone
- 954-265-1700 · both locations
- Fax (referrals)
- 954-276-0623
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- @solymarmd