Dr. Cunningham is a graduate of Princeton University (1977) and the Rochester University School of Medicine (1981). He completed pediatrics training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Otolaryngology training at the University of Pittsburgh. He has practiced as a pediatric otolaryngologist since 1989, previously at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and presently at Boston Children’s Hospital. He is the current Otolaryngologist-in-Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, and a Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Harvard Medical School.
His previous educational roles include Director of the Harvard Residency Program in Otolaryngology, and vice chair of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education committee responsible for overseeing otolaryngology residency and fellowship training in the United States.
He has played an active role in many professional societies, most notably as past president of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, and past chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Surgery Advisory Panel.
In addition to graduate medical education, his principal clinical/research interests are congenital and neoplastic head & neck masses and pediatric sinus disease.
Selected Publications
Shin JJ, Page JH, Shapiro J, Gray ST, Cunningham MJ. Validation of a clinical practice ability instrument for surgical training. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010; 142:493-499.
Cunningham MJ, Lin AA. Pediatric otolaryngology: The maturation of a surgical subspecialty. (Triologic Society Candidate Thesis) Laryngoscope. 2011; 121: 194-201.
Sedaghat AR, Phipatanakul W, Cunningham MJ. Atopy and the development of chronic rhinosinusitis in children with allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013; 1:689-691.e2. PMD: 24349965.
Shin J, Cunningham MJ, Editors. Otolaryngology: Prep and Practice. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing, San Diego, CA, 2013.
Jabbour J, Doefer, KW, Robey T, Cunningham MJ. Trends in pediatric otolaryngology disparities research. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018; 159:173-177.
Adil, EA, Medina G, Cunningham MJ. Pediatric tonsil cancer: A national and international perspective. J Pediatr. 2018; 197:255-261.
McKeon M, Medina G, Kawai K, Cunningham MJ, Adil E. Readmissions following ambulatory pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. Laryngoscope. 2019; 129:2681-2686.
Thong G, Dombrowski ND, Kawai K, Cunningham MJ, Adil EA. Balloon sinuplasty utilization in the pediatric population: A national database perspective. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019; 161:683-687.
Doody J, Adil EA, Trenor CC, Cunningham MJ. The genetic and molecular determinants of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: A systematic review. Annals Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019: 128:1061-1072.
Brooks JA, Cunningham MJ, Koempel JA, Kawai K, Huang JK, Weitzman RE, Osterbauer B, Hughes AL. “To drain or not to drain following a Sistrunk procedure: A dual institutional experience.” Int J Pediatr Otolaryngorhinol. 2019; 127:1-4.
Publications
Pediatric sporadic Burkitt lymphoma of the head and neck: A case series and analysis of national trends. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Nov; 186:112137. View Abstract
Comprehensive management and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Nov; 186:112095. View Abstract
An Atypical Case of Parotid Swelling. Pediatr Rev. 2024 Sep 01; 45(9):535-539. View Abstract
A Congenital Tongue Mass. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 12 01; 149(12):1147-1148. View Abstract
CTNNB1 and APC Mutations in Sinonasal Myxoma : Expanding the Spectrum of Tumors Driven By WNT/ß-catenin Pathway. Am J Surg Pathol. 2023 11 01; 47(11):1291-1300. View Abstract
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Outcomes Analysis Based Upon Hospital Volume. Laryngoscope. 2023 11; 133(11):3216-3220. View Abstract
Management of Intracranial Sinusitis Complications in Children and Adolescents: Similarities and Differences Among Otolaryngology Subspecialists. OTO Open. 2022 Jul-Sep; 6(3):2473974X221120635. View Abstract
Charles F. Ferguson, MD: America's first full time pediatric otolaryngologist. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Jan; 152:110863. View Abstract
Contemporary Management of Vascular Anomalies of the Head and Neck-Part 1: Vascular Malformations: A Review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 02 01; 147(2):197-206. View Abstract
Postoperative Disposition Following Pediatric Sistrunk Procedures: A National Database Query. Laryngoscope. 2021 07; 131(7):E2352-E2355. View Abstract
International Pediatric Otolaryngology group (IPOG) consensus on the diagnosis and management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Nov; 138:110276. View Abstract
Is Antral Choanal Polyp Best Managed by an Endoscopic or Caldwell-Luc Approach? Laryngoscope. 2021 04; 131(4):705-706. View Abstract
Pediatric Subperiosteal Abscess Secondary to Acute Sinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Laryngoscope. 2020 12; 130(12):2906-2912. View Abstract
Advanced practice providers and children's hospital-based pediatric otolarynology practices. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Feb; 129:109770. View Abstract
To drain or not to drain following a Sistrunk procedure: A dual institutional experience. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Dec; 127:109645. View Abstract
Balloon Sinuplasty Utilization in the Pediatric Population: A National Database Perspective. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 10; 161(4):683-687. View Abstract
The Genetic and Molecular Determinants of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Systematic Review. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019 Nov; 128(11):1061-1072. View Abstract
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 May; 120:93-99. View Abstract
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in prepubertal males: A diagnostic dilemma. Laryngoscope. 2019 08; 129(8):1777-1783. View Abstract
Pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck in children: presentation and management. Laryngoscope. 2019 Nov; 129(11):2603-2609. View Abstract
Trends in Pediatric Otolaryngology Disparities Research. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 07; 159(1):173-177. View Abstract
Changes in Scope of Procedures Performed by Pediatric Otolaryngologists in the Past Decade. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 Apr 01; 144(4):322-329. View Abstract
Differentiating Tonsil Cancer from Benign Tonsillar Hypertrophy. J Pediatr. 2018 06; 197:309-309.e1. View Abstract
Pediatric Tonsil Cancer: A National and Institutional Perspective. J Pediatr. 2018 06; 197:255-261.e1. View Abstract
Otolaryngologic Manifestations of Klippel-Feil Syndrome in Children. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 Mar 01; 144(3):238-243. View Abstract
Healthcare disparities in pediatric otolaryngology: A systematic review. Laryngoscope. 2018 07; 128(7):1699-1713. View Abstract
Resident responses to after-hours otolaryngology patient phone calls: An overlooked aspect of residency training? Laryngoscope. 2018 05; 128(5):E163-E170. View Abstract
Emergency department use for acute rhinosinusitis: Insurance dependent for children and adults. Laryngoscope. 2018 02; 128(2):299-303. View Abstract
Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage in the Ibuprofen Era: Not Just How Frequent but How Much. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 07 01; 143(7):649-650. View Abstract
A Young Boy With Progressive Dysphonia. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 03 01; 143(3):313-314. View Abstract
Cystic cervical teratoma: A diagnostic and management challenge. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Apr; 95:97-100. View Abstract
Surgical scheduling categorization system (SSCS): A novel classification system to improve coordination and scheduling of operative cases in a tertiary pediatric medical system. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Jan; 92:156-160. View Abstract
Nasal versus tracheobronchial biopsies to diagnose primary ciliary dyskinesia: A meta-analysis. Laryngoscope. 2017 01; 127(1):6-13. View Abstract
Measuring Nontechnical Aspects of Surgical Clinician Development in an Otolaryngology Residency Training Program. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 05 01; 142(5):423-8. View Abstract
Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation-Assisted Resection of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Comparison with Traditional Endoscopic Technique. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 06; 154(6):1145-8. View Abstract
Letter to the Editor regarding "Tonsillectomy versus Tonsillotomy: A Study of Parental Preference". Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Oct; 79(10):1788-9. View Abstract
Insurance status and quality of outpatient care for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Jun; 141(6):505-11. View Abstract
Socioeconomic determinants of overnight and weekend emergency department use for acute rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope. 2015 Nov; 125(11):2441-6. View Abstract
Emergency department presentation for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis is associated with poor access to healthcare. Laryngoscope. 2015 Oct; 125(10):2253-8. View Abstract
Disorders and tumors of the salivary glands in children. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2015 Feb; 48(1):153-73. View Abstract
Malignant cervical masses in children. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2015 Feb; 48(1):59-77. View Abstract
Strategies to prevent biofilm-based tympanostomy tube infections. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Sep; 78(9):1433-8. View Abstract
Characterization of aeroallergen sensitivities in children with allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergy Rhinol (Providence). 2014 Jan; 5(3):143-5. View Abstract
Regional and socioeconomic disparities in emergency department use of radiographic imaging for acute pediatric sinusitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014 Jan-Feb; 28(1):23-8. View Abstract
Prevalence of and associations with allergic rhinitis in children with chronic rhinosinusitis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Feb; 78(2):343-7. View Abstract
Socioeconomic disparities in the presentation of acute bacterial sinusitis complications in children. Laryngoscope. 2014 Jul; 124(7):1700-6. View Abstract
Atopy and the Development of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children with Allergic Rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013 Nov 01; 6(1):689-691.e2. View Abstract
Connexin 32 and 43 mutations: do they play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis? Am J Otolaryngol. 2014 Jan-Feb; 35(1):33-6. View Abstract
Atopy and the development of chronic rhinosinusitis in children with allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013 Nov-Dec; 1(6):689-91.e1-2. View Abstract
Radiology quiz case 1. Diagnosis: congenital cervical teratoma. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Jun; 139(6):643-5. View Abstract
Clinical assessment is an accurate predictor of which patients will need septoplasty. Laryngoscope. 2013 Jan; 123(1):48-52. View Abstract
Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the inferior turbinate in a sheep model. Laryngoscope. 2012 Apr; 122(4):724-9. View Abstract
Pathology quiz case 3. Neuroblastoma with cervical metastases. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Jan; 138(1):99-101. View Abstract
Does balloon catheter sinuplasty have a role in the surgical management of pediatric sinus disease? Laryngoscope. 2011 Oct; 121(10):2053-4. View Abstract
Otolaryngology education in family medicine and communication sciences training. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Oct; 137(10):984-8. View Abstract
Radiology quiz case 2. Pediatric base of tongue thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC). Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Sep; 137(9):955, 956-7. View Abstract
Pediatric otolaryngology: The maturation of a pediatric surgical subspecialty. Laryngoscope. 2011 Jan; 121(1):194-201. View Abstract
Congenital dacryocystocele: is there a familial predisposition? Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Mar; 75(3):430-2. View Abstract
Importance of early audiologic assessment in distal renal tubular acidosis. Int Med Case Rep J. 2011; 4:7-11. View Abstract
Sinogenic orbital and subperiosteal abscesses: microbiology and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus incidence. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Sep; 143(3):392-6. View Abstract
Dexamethasone administration and postoperative bleeding risk in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Aug; 136(8):766-72. View Abstract
Cystic pilomatrixoma: a diagnostic challenge. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Aug; 136(8):830-3. View Abstract
Lymphatic malformations: current cellular and clinical investigations. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jun; 142(6):789-94. View Abstract
Lymphatic malformations: review of current treatment. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jun; 142(6):795-803, 803.e1. View Abstract
Validation of a clinical practice ability instrument for surgical training. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Apr; 142(4):493-9.e1. View Abstract
Hypopharyngeal pharyngoplasty for the management of piriform fossa sinus. Laryngoscope. 2010 Mar; 120(3):500-3. View Abstract
Facial nerve hemangiomas: vascular tumors or malformations? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jan; 142(1):108-14. View Abstract
Radiologic evaluation of the ear anatomy in pediatric cholesteatoma. J Craniofac Surg. 2009 May; 20(3):807-10. View Abstract
Ludwig's angina in the pediatric population. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2009 Jul; 48(6):583-7. View Abstract
Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroidectomy and related cervical procedures in the pediatric population. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 Jan; 135(1):88-94. View Abstract
Connexin 26 and 30 genes mutations in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope. 2008 Feb; 118(2):310-3. View Abstract
Radiology quiz case 2. Dual ectopic subhyoid and lingual thyroids. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Sep; 133(9):941-2, 943-4. View Abstract
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 20-2007. An 11-year-old boy with a calcified mass in the nose. N Engl J Med. 2007 Jun 28; 356(26):2721-30. View Abstract
Efficacy of treating children with anterior commissure and true vocal fold respiratory papilloma with the 585-nm pulsed-dye laser. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Feb; 133(2):127-30. View Abstract
Parapharyngeal space lymphadenopathy. Pediatr Radiol. 2007 Mar; 37(3):313-6. View Abstract
Endoscopic management of pediatric nasolacrimal anomalies. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2006 Oct; 39(5):1059-74, viii-ix. View Abstract
The 80-hour work guidelines and resident survey perceptions of quality. J Surg Res. 2006 Oct; 135(2):275-81. View Abstract
Validation of the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality-of-Life survey. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Jul; 132(7):717-20. View Abstract
Microdebrider tonsillotomy vs electrosurgical tonsillectomy: a randomized, double-blind, paired control study of postoperative pain. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Jun; 132(6):599-604. View Abstract
Tubal tonsil hypertrophy: a cause of recurrent symptoms after adenoidectomy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Feb; 132(2):153-6. View Abstract
Radiology quiz case 4. Intramuscular angioma (IMA). Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Nov; 131(11):1026, 1030. View Abstract
Atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: a disease as old as mankind, yet a persistent challenge. Am J Otolaryngol. 2005 Sep-Oct; 26(5):337-43. View Abstract
Cervical bronchogenic cysts: a consideration in the differential diagnosis of pediatric cervical cystic masses. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2004 May; 68(5):563-8. View Abstract
Pediatric non-orbital pseudotumor of the head and neck. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2003 Jun; 67(6):649-53. View Abstract
Laser therapy for refractory myringitis in children. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002 Sep; 127(3):163-8. View Abstract
The health impact of chronic recurrent rhinosinusitis in children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000 Nov; 126(11):1363-8. View Abstract
An unusual pterygopalatine meningocele associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Case report. J Neurosurg. 2000 Sep; 93(3):480-3. View Abstract
Cytokeratin expression in the odontogenic keratocyst. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2000 Aug; 58(8):862-5; discussion 866. View Abstract
Physician experience with an optical image guidance system for sinus surgery. Laryngoscope. 2000 Jun; 110(6):972-6. View Abstract
Impact of tympanostomy tubes on child quality of life. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000 May; 126(5):585-92. View Abstract
Caution advised when using diluted phenylephrine hydrochloride. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999 Oct; 125(10):1170. View Abstract
Rigid tracheobronchoscopy-induced bacteremia in the pediatric population. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999 Jul; 125(7):774-6. View Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach to atypical lacrimal obstruction in childhood. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999 Jul; 15(4):293-8. View Abstract
Immune response to pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines in otitis-prone and otitis-free children. Clin Infect Dis. 1999 Jul; 29(1):191-2. View Abstract
Enlarged vestibular aqueduct as a marker for hearing loss in children. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1998 Nov; 37(11):689-91. View Abstract
Mutations in the chloride-bicarbonate exchanger gene AE1 cause autosomal dominant but not autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 May 26; 95(11):6337-42. View Abstract
Treatment of aural foreign bodies in children. Pediatrics. 1998 Apr; 101(4 Pt 1):638-41. View Abstract
Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998 Mar; 124(3):328-33. View Abstract
The odontogenic keratocyst: a 20-year clinicopathologic review. Laryngoscope. 1998 Feb; 108(2):280-3. View Abstract
Slide tracheoplasty for long-segment tracheal stenosis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998 Jan; 124(1):98-103. View Abstract
Teaching the development of children's concepts of illness. Acad Med. 1997 May; 72(5):430-1. View Abstract
Odontogenic keratocyst in a young child. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1997 Feb; 106(2):163-6. View Abstract
Tubeless spontaneous respiration technique for pediatric microlaryngeal surgery. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997 Feb; 123(2):209-14. View Abstract
Osseous craniofacial arteriovenous malformations in the pediatric population. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997 Jan; 123(1):101-5. View Abstract
Odontogenic keratocysts in the pediatric population. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996 Jul; 122(7):725-8. View Abstract
Lateral sinus thrombosis associated with otitis media and mastoiditis in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1995 Jul; 14(7):617-23. View Abstract
Central nervous system imaging in the evaluation of children with true vocal cord paralysis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1995 Jan; 104(1):76-7. View Abstract
Comparison of computed tomography and surgical findings in deep neck infections. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1994 Dec; 111(6):746-50. View Abstract
Acute otolaryngologic surgical conditions in children. Pediatr Ann. 1994 May; 23(5):250-6. View Abstract
The etiologic role of frontal sinusitis in pediatric orbital abscesses. Am J Otolaryngol. 1993 Nov-Dec; 14(6):449-52. View Abstract
The cause of aural polyps in children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993 Jun; 119(6):669-71. View Abstract
Progressive sensorineural hearing loss in association with distal renal tubular acidosis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993 Apr; 119(4):458-60. View Abstract
Acquired laryngomalacia secondary to obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Am J Otolaryngol. 1993 Mar-Apr; 14(2):132-6. View Abstract
Apnea and the elongated uvula. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1992 Sep; 24(2):183-9. View Abstract
Orbital complications of acute sinusitis: comparison of computed tomography scan and surgical findings. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1992 Jul; 101(7):598-600. View Abstract
Determination of endotracheal tube size in pediatric patients. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1992 Apr; 118(4):448-9. View Abstract
The tan tonsil sign: a clinical marker of lymphoproliferative disease. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1992 Apr; 31(4):237-40. View Abstract
Noninvasive radiologic options in evaluating intracranial complications of otitis media. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1992 Apr; 101(4):363-6. View Abstract
The management of congenital neck masses. Am J Otolaryngol. 1992 Mar-Apr; 13(2):78-92. View Abstract
The old and new of acute laryngotracheal infections. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1992 Jan; 31(1):56-64. View Abstract
Preventing perioperative obstruction of tympanostomy tubes: a prospective trial of a simple method. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1991 Feb; 21(1):15-20. View Abstract
Chemoprophylaxis with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In otitis media. Relevance of hematologic abnormalities. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1990 May; 29(5):273-7. View Abstract
Otologic manifestations of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1989 Jul; 115(7):807-13. View Abstract
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm: an unusual neck mass in a young adult. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1989 May; 98(5 Pt 1):396-9. View Abstract
Inflammatory presentations of congenital head and neck masses. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1988 Nov; 7(11 Suppl):S162-8. View Abstract
Evaluation of noninvasive eustachian tube function tests in normal adults. Laryngoscope. 1988 Jun; 98(6 Pt 1):655-8. View Abstract
Histiocytosis X of the temporal bone: CT findings. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1988 Jan-Feb; 12(1):70-4. View Abstract
Malignant tumors of the head and neck in children: a twenty-year review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1987 Oct; 13(3):279-92. View Abstract
Modified Caldwell-Luc approach for the treatment of antral choanal polyps. Laryngoscope. 1986 Aug; 96(8):911-3. View Abstract