Head and neck onco-surgery is a type of surgery focused on treating cancers in the head and neck region. Imagine your head and neck like a map. This surgery deals with cancers anywhere on this map, including:
- Mouth (lips, tongue, gums)
- Throat (pharynx, tonsils)
- Voice box (larynx)
- Sinuses (air spaces behind your cheeks and forehead)
- Salivary glands
- Thyroid gland
- Skin of the head and neck
- Neck (lymph nodes)
Why is it Special?
Regular surgery cuts out problems, but head and neck cancers often grow in delicate areas. Here’s where the “onco” part comes in. “Onco” means cancer, so a head and neck onco-surgeon is specially trained to remove cancers while also considering:
- Preserving your ability to speak clearly
- Keeping your ability to swallow normally
- Maintaining your appearance as much as possible
What can they do?
Imagine a toolbox filled with different tools for different situations. Head and neck onco-surgeons have a similar toolbox of surgical techniques, including:
- Standard surgery: This removes the cancer and some healthy tissue around it for safety.
- Minimally invasive surgery: This uses smaller cuts and special tools for less scarring and faster recovery. Examples include laser surgery and robotic surgery.
- Reconstructive surgery: After removing cancer, sometimes tissues need to be rebuilt to restore function and appearance. This might involve using skin or muscle from other parts of your body.
Who needs it?
If you have a suspicious lump or growth in your head or neck area, your doctor might recommend talking to a head and neck onco-surgeon. They’ll examine you, run tests, and discuss treatment options if needed.
Remember: This information is for general knowledge only. If you have concerns about your head or neck, talk to your doctor.