Services > Head & Neck Tumor Screening & Surgery

Head & Neck Tumor Screening & Surgery

💡 1. What Are Head & Neck Tumors?

Head and neck tumors include benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths that occur in the:

  • Oral cavity (lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks)
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)
  • Salivary glands
  • Nasal cavity and sinuses
  • Lymph nodes in the neck

🔥 2. Symptoms of Head & Neck Tumors

  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Lump or swelling in the neck or mouth
  • Chronic cough or coughing up blood
  • Nasal congestion or frequent nosebleeds
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Ear pain or hearing changes
  • Voice changes
  • Numbness or tingling in the face

🔎 3. Tumor Screening Methods

Screening involves a combination of physical exams, imaging, and biopsy to detect and diagnose tumors.

✅ A) Physical Examination

  • Palpation of the neck: The doctor feels for lumps or swelling.
  • Oral exam: Inspection of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
  • Laryngoscopy: A thin, flexible scope is inserted through the nose to examine the throat and voice box.

📷 B) Imaging Tests

  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the head and neck.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues and detects tumor spread.
  • PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects cancer spread (metastasis) by showing abnormal metabolic activity.
  • Ultrasound: Used to evaluate neck masses and lymph nodes.

🔬 C) Biopsy

  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Removes cells from the tumor with a thin needle for examination.
  • Incisional Biopsy: Surgical removal of a portion of the tumor.
  • Excisional Biopsy: Complete removal of the tumor for analysis.

⚡ 4. Head & Neck Tumor Surgery: Types & Procedures

Surgery is a primary treatment for many head and neck tumors, particularly when they are localized.

🔥 A) Types of Surgery

  1. Excision Surgery:
    • Removes the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue.
    • Used for tumors in the oral cavity, throat, or salivary glands.
  2. Neck Dissection:
    • Removal of lymph nodes in the neck if the cancer has spread.
    • Helps prevent metastasis.
  3. Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS):
    • Minimally invasive surgery using a robot to remove tumors from the mouth or throat.
    • Reduces scarring and speeds up recovery.
  4. Laser Surgery:
    • Treats early-stage tumors in the throat and larynx.
    • Minimally invasive and precise.
  5. Maxillectomy or Mandibulectomy:
    • For tumors in the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible).
    • May require reconstructive surgery afterward.
  6. Glossectomy:
    • Removal of part or all of the tongue for large oral cancers.
    • May affect speech and swallowing.

🔥 5. Reconstruction After Surgery

Some head and neck tumor surgeries require reconstructive procedures to restore function and appearance:

  • Free Flap Reconstruction: Transplants tissue from other body parts (e.g., forearm, thigh) to replace removed tissue.
  • Skin Grafts: Used for small defects.
  • Prosthetics: Artificial replacements for removed structures (e.g., palate, jaw).
  • Speech and swallowing therapy: Often necessary after major surgeries.

💡 6. Risks & Complications of Surgery

  • Bleeding and infection
  • Nerve damage (facial paralysis or vocal cord issues)
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Scarring or disfigurement (may require reconstructive surgery)
  • Changes in breathing (temporary tracheostomy may be required)

🔥 7. Post-Surgical Recovery & Care

  • Hospital stay: Depends on the extent of the surgery (typically 1–7 days).
  • Pain management: Prescribed pain relievers.
  • Diet modification: Soft or liquid diet if swallowing is affected.
  • Speech and swallowing therapy: For rehabilitation after surgery.
  • Follow-up visits: To monitor for recurrence.

✅ 8. Treatment Beyond Surgery

In some cases, surgery is combined with radiation or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence:

  • Radiation therapy: Targets remaining cancer cells after surgery.
  • Chemotherapy: Used for larger or more aggressive tumors.
  • Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

🌿 9. Prevention & Screening Tips

  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol: Major risk factors for head and neck cancers.
  • HPV vaccination: Prevents HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
  • Regular dental check-ups: Dentists can spot early signs of oral cancers.
  • Limit sun exposure: Protects against lip cancer.
  • Healthy diet: Rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce cancer risk.

🔍 10. When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Lumps or swelling in the neck that persist for weeks.
  • Persistent hoarseness or sore throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Frequent nosebleeds or sinus issues.