Dr. Priyanka J. Hardikar

Head and neck cancer surgeries encompass a range of surgical procedures aimed at diagnosing, staging, and treating cancers that occur in the head and neck region.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer Surgeries

1. Diagnostic Procedures:

• Biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present and its type.

2. Primary Tumor Resection:

Surgical removal of the primary cancerous tumor in the head or neck region. The specific type of surgery depends on the location and extent of the tumor. Examples include:

• Laryngectomy: Removal of part or all of the larynx (voice box) to treat cancers affecting this area, such as laryngeal cancer.
• Pharyngectomy: Removal of part or all of the pharynx (throat) affected by cancer, including the oropharynx or hypopharynx.
• Maxillectomy: Removal of part or all of the maxilla (upper jawbone) affected by cancer.
• Mandibulectomy: Removal of part or all of the mandible (lower jawbone) affected by cancer.

3. Neck Dissection:

• Removal of lymph nodes in the neck (cervical lymph nodes) to check for the spread of cancer or as a treatment for metastatic cancer.

4. Reconstructive Surgery:

Following tumor removal, reconstructive surgery may be performed to restore the appearance and function of the affected area. This can include:

• Free Flap Reconstruction: Transplantation of tissue from another part of the body (often the forearm, leg, or abdomen) to reconstruct the surgical defect.
• Local Flap Reconstruction: Use of nearby tissue to repair the surgical defect.

5. Salvage Surgery:

• Surgery performed if initial treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy fail to eliminate the cancer or if the cancer recurs after treatment.

Benefits of Head and Neck Cancer Surgeries

• Local Control of Cancer: Surgical removal of the tumor helps to eliminate cancerous cells from the primary site.
• Improved Survival Rates: Early detection and surgical intervention can improve overall survival rates for many types of head and neck cancers.
• Preservation of Function: Surgeons aim to preserve important functions such as speech, swallowing, and breathing whenever possible.
• Comprehensive Treatment: Often part of a multidisciplinary approach that may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.