Head & Neck Oncology
Head and neck oncology deals with the diagnosis and surgical management of cancers that occur in the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid, salivary glands, and other structures in the neck. These cancers require highly skilled, precise, and functional surgeries to achieve both complete cancer removal and preservation of vital functions such as speech, swallowing, and appearance.
Understanding Head & Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers often arise from the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx, but they can also originate in glands such as the thyroid or salivary glands. Common risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and certain viral infections like HPV. Early detection and precise surgical treatment offer the best outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Types of Head & Neck Cancers Treated
- Oral Cavity Cancers – involving the tongue, cheeks, gums, and jaw
- Thyroid Tumors – including benign and malignant nodules requiring thyroidectomy
- Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancers – managed with voice-preserving surgical techniques
- Salivary Gland Tumors – including parotid and submandibular gland malignancies
- Neck Masses and Lymph Node Metastases – treated with neck dissection or targeted removal
Surgical Approaches and Techniques
Each surgery is planned carefully based on the tumor’s size, location, and stage. Advanced reconstructive techniques are often used to restore appearance and function after tumor removal. In suitable cases, minimally invasive and robotic techniques help achieve excellent precision and faster recovery.
- Wide local excision for oral cavity cancers
- Total or hemi-thyroidectomy for thyroid cancers
- Partial or total laryngectomy depending on tumor extent
- Parotidectomy for salivary gland tumors while preserving facial nerve function
- Neck dissection for metastatic lymph nodes
- Reconstructive flap surgery for restoring form and function
Benefits of Advanced Head & Neck Cancer Surgery
- Complete removal of cancer with clear margins
- Preservation of speech, swallowing, and facial movements
- Enhanced cosmetic and functional outcomes with reconstruction
- Reduced post-operative complications with modern surgical techniques
- Improved quality of life and long-term disease control
Recovery and Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, patients are closely monitored for healing, nutrition, and speech or swallowing rehabilitation if needed. A multidisciplinary team involving oncologists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists supports recovery to help patients return to normal activities as early as possible.
FAQs
Common symptoms include non-healing mouth ulcers, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, neck swelling, or a lump in the mouth or throat. Any symptom lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a specialist.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, imaging studies like CT/MRI scans, and a biopsy of the suspected area. Additional tests may be performed to determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Yes, with modern surgical and reconstructive techniques, most patients can maintain normal or near-normal speech and swallowing. Rehabilitation with speech therapy after surgery further helps restore these functions.
Yes, when detected early, many head and neck cancers can be completely cured through surgery and appropriate follow-up treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Regular checkups and early diagnosis play a vital role in improving cure rates.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining good oral hygiene, getting vaccinated against HPV, and having regular dental or ENT checkups significantly reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers.