Head and Neck Surgery
We offer personalized treatments that meet the individual needs and circumstances of our patients as well as cutting-edge clinical trials. These clinical trials make it easier for eligible patients to access the latest developments in biological therapy and immunotherapy, as well as transoral (through the mouth) surgery, robotic surgery (TORS) and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).
We also perform reconstructive surgical procedures, including microvascular reconstruction, facial animation and voice restoration.
Types of head and neck cancer
Cancer of the larynx can affect any of the three parts of the voice box:
- Glottic cancer starts in the vocal cords (glottis).
- Supraglottic cancer starts in the area above the vocal cords (supraglottis).
- Subglottic cancer starts in the area below the vocal cords (subglottis).
This type of cancer starts in the lower part of the throat. The hypopharynx is the area around the voice box ending at esophagus (the food pipe to the stomach).
Nasal and sinus cancers occur in the nose or the sinuses.
Oral cancers include cancers in parts of the mouth. These areas include the front two thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the palate (roof of the mouth), the gums, the inner parts of the lips and cheek, and the area behind the molars.
Oropharyngeal cancer affects the back of the throat, including the base of tongue (the back one third of the tongue), tonsils, posterior throat wall, and soft palate. Cancer of the oropharynx is prevalent in tobacco users or patients with human papilloma virus (HPV). In the last three decades, the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer has increased.
There are three main salivary glands:
- parotid glands (in front of and below the ear)
- submandibular glands (below the jawbone)
- sublingual glands (below the lining of the floor of the mouth)
Most salivary gland tumours start in these glands. There are also many minor salivary glands all over the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat that can also give rise to salivary gland tumours.
Skin cancers are some of the most common cancers and their incidence is rising around the world. Skin cancers include melanoma and non-melanoma cancers that are either squamous cell or basal cell cancer. These cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure from sun rays and tanning salons.
Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that are classified depending on where they start (bone, cartilage, soft tissue, fat). Fifteen to 20 percent of sarcomas are found in the head and neck.
The thyroid is shaped like a butterfly and is in the lower midline of the neck. It is responsible for producing the thyroid hormone.
Most thyroid cancers are papillary thyroid cancer and the second most common is follicular thyroid cancer. Both are considered highly treatable. Other types of thyroid cancer include medullary carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma which is very rare.
