Throat and Head & Neck Cancer Surgery
Head and neck cancers can affect different areas including the throat, voice box, oral cavity, salivary glands, thyroid, and other structures of the head and neck. Early evaluation of persistent symptoms or suspicious lesions is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dr. Prakhar Kumar provides comprehensive head and neck evaluation, including examination of suspicious lesions and appropriate biopsy when required. Surgical treatment is planned according to the location, type, size, and extent of the cancer, with the aim of removing the disease while preserving important functions whenever possible. Book a consultation.
Conditions
Surgical evaluation and treatment may be recommended for confirmed or suspected cancers involving the throat and other head and neck structures.
- Throat cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Pharyngeal tumours
- Oral cavity cancer
- Tongue and throat tumours
- Salivary gland tumours
- Thyroid cancers
- Other selected head and neck tumours
Symptoms
Persistent changes involving the throat, voice, mouth, swallowing, or neck should be evaluated by an ENT and head & neck specialist.
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarseness or persistent voice change
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain or difficulty while swallowing
- Persistent lump or swelling in the neck
- Non-healing sore or ulcer in the mouth or throat
- Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or throat
- Persistent ear pain associated with throat symptoms
Causes
Head and neck cancers can develop due to several risk factors. Some cancers may also occur without an obvious identifiable cause.
- Tobacco smoking
- Smokeless tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Combined tobacco and alcohol exposure
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in selected cancers
- Long-term exposure to certain irritants
- Previous precancerous lesions
- Other individual and environmental risk factors
Treatment
Treatment is individualized according to the site, type, stage, and extent of the cancer and may involve surgery along with other cancer treatments when required.
- Detailed ENT and head & neck examination
- Endoscopic examination of the throat and larynx when required
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Imaging and staging investigations when clinically indicated
- Surgical removal of selected head and neck tumours
- Endoscopic or open surgical approaches depending on the tumour location
- Neck lymph node assessment and surgery when indicated
- Postoperative follow-up and coordination of further cancer treatment when required
Benefits
Early assessment of suspicious symptoms and lesions helps establish an accurate diagnosis and allows appropriate treatment to be planned without unnecessary delay.
- Helps identify suspicious head and neck lesions
- Supports accurate diagnosis through biopsy
- Allows appropriate cancer staging and treatment planning
- Helps remove selected tumours surgically
- Allows assessment and management of affected lymph nodes
- Supports preservation of important functions when appropriate
- Enables timely management of confirmed head and neck cancer
- Provides individualized head and neck cancer care
Prevention
Reducing known risk factors and seeking early evaluation of persistent symptoms can help lower risk and support earlier detection of head and neck cancers.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
- Avoid smokeless tobacco and areca nut products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain good oral and dental hygiene
- Seek evaluation for persistent throat or voice changes
- Do not ignore a persistent lump in the neck
- Get persistent mouth or throat ulcers evaluated
- Attend recommended follow-up after treatment of head and neck lesions