What To Expect From Head And Neck Cancer Surgery

More than 55,000 adults are diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the U.S. every year. This type of cancer can develop anywhere in the throat, mouth, nose, or sinuses. One effective treatment option for head and neck cancer is surgery. In Los Angeles, CA, head and neck cancer surgery is performed by Dr. Jahangir Sharifi and Dr. Cheryl Nocon at L.A. Sinus & Allergy Specialists. 

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer can be associated with many different symptoms, including:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling inside the mouth
• A growth inside the mouth
• Ear pain when swallowing
• Blood in the saliva or phlegm
• A persistent lump in the neck
• Voice changes that last longer than two weeks
• Changes in the skin on the forehead, face, or ears

Individuals who develop one or more of these symptoms should see an ear, nose and throat specialist. Various diagnostic tests can be performed to determine if cancer is present. Test include a CT, MRI, or PET scan, as well as a biopsy, panendoscopy, or barium swallow. The sooner head and neck cancer is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Early detection and prompt treatment are important for preventing the cancer from spreading. 

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Treatment for head and neck cancer might vary among patients depending on their specific diagnosis but can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The board-certified surgeons at our medical office in Los Angeles, CA, perform head and neck cancer surgery and can determine if it is needed in your case. Some types of head and neck cancers that are often treated surgically include throat or mouth cancer, salivary gland cancer, and thyroid cancer, as well as tumors in the nasal cavities. 

Knowing what to expect from head and neck cancer surgery depends on the type of cancer being treated and the type of surgery being performed. If the surgery involves the removal of a cancerous tumor, it might be performed by making an excision or through the use of laser technology. Surgery could also include the removal of some lymph nodes, which can be tested to determine if cancer might have spread. 

In addition to performing surgery to remove a tumor or lymph nodes, surgery can also involve reconstruction. Depending on the situation, reconstructive surgery could be performed at the same time as head and neck cancer surgery or at a later date. Reconstruction might be desirable if the original surgery resulted in the removal of a significant amount of tissue, such as removing a large portion of the tongue or jaw. Reconstructive surgery replaces missing tissue and restores function and appearance. 

Surgery is an effective method for treating many types of head and neck cancer. For head and neck cancer surgery in Los Angeles, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharifi and Dr. Nocon by calling L.A. Sinus & Allergy Specialists at (323) 226-0022.