Procedure guide · Head and neck surgical oncology
Head and neck cancer surgery removes a tumour of the mouth, throat or nearby areas with some surrounding healthy tissue. The US National Cancer Institute describes surgery as a common treatment for oropharyngeal cancer at all stages, sometimes followed by radiation or chemotherapy. Because these areas control breathing, eating and speech, a full team plans treatment and recovery.
What does head and neck cancer surgery involve?
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth, the throat (pharynx) and the voice box (larynx). Surgery aims to remove the tumour completely. The NCI describes transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer, where instruments pass through the mouth and cameras on the robot give the surgeon a three-dimensional view of hard-to-reach areas. Other operations may need cuts in the neck or reconstruction by a plastic surgeon.
After surgery, adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy may be given. The NCI also describes radiation and chemotherapy as main treatments in their own right, along with targeted therapy and immunotherapy for some recurrent or advanced cancers.
Who may be considered for surgery?
Whether surgery is the right first treatment depends on where the tumour is, its size, whether it has spread and your general health. For oropharyngeal cancer the NCI notes that HPV-positive cancers have a different outlook and are treated differently from HPV-negative cancers. Ask whether a tumour board will weigh surgery against radiation-based treatment for you. Your head and neck team decides with you.
Which reports does a head and neck team usually ask for?
The NCI lists the tests used to diagnose and stage these cancers. Ask the hospital whether it needs:
- the biopsy histopathology report
- the HPV test result for throat cancers, if done
- CT, MRI or PET-CT scans of the head, neck and chest with images
- endoscopy or laryngoscopy reports with photographs if available
- a recent dental assessment
- a note on swallowing, speech, weight loss and smoking history
How do I plan head and neck cancer surgery in India?
Recovery involves more than wound healing. The NCI lists a team that may include a head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon, dentist, dietitian, psychologist, rehabilitation specialist and speech therapist. Ask who will help with swallowing, speech and nutrition before you leave hospital.
If radiation follows surgery, decide early whether it will happen in India or at home. The NCI notes that thyroid hormone levels should be checked before and after treatment when the thyroid is in the radiation area. It also describes regular head and neck examinations for years afterwards. Arrange an ENT or head and neck specialist at home. Bring an attendant who can help with soft diets, care routines and communication.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Is surgery or radiation-based treatment recommended first, and why?
- Will my case be discussed at a tumour board?
- Is transoral or robotic surgery an option for my tumour?
- Will I need reconstruction, a feeding tube or a breathing tube?
- Who will help me with swallowing and speech after surgery?
- Where will any radiation or chemotherapy after surgery take place?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your oncology team decides on treatment, its schedule, how long you stay and when it is safe to travel.
Questions people ask
Why does the team ask for a dental check?
The NCI lists a dentist as part of the head and neck cancer team. Bring recent dental records or have a check-up before travel, and ask the team whether they want any treatment done first.
How long will follow-up last?
Follow-up continues for several years. The NCI describes regular head and neck examinations that are frequent in the first years and spaced out later. Arrange a specialist at home who can examine you and share findings with the team in India.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.