Head & Neck - Radical Surgeries
What are Head & Neck Radical Surgeries?
Head and neck radical surgeries are advanced surgical procedures performed to remove cancerous tumors and affected tissues in areas such as the oral cavity, throat, larynx, thyroid, and salivary glands. These surgeries are crucial in treating aggressive or advanced-stage head and neck cancers, ensuring maximum tumor removal while preserving essential functions like speech, swallowing, and appearance.
Types of Head & Neck Radical Surgeries
1. Radical Neck Dissection
A surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissues in the neck affected by cancer.
When is it needed? Advanced cancers of the oral cavity, throat, larynx, or thyroid that have spread to the lymph nodes.
What does it involve? Removal of all lymph nodes on one side of the neck, along with nearby structures like muscles, veins, and nerves if necessary.
Modified Radical Neck Dissection A less extensive version preserving some structures for better function.
2. Total Laryngectomy (Voice Box Removal)
This surgery removes the larynx (voice box) and is performed in cases of laryngeal cancer.
Patients breathe through a tracheostomy (neck stoma) after surgery.
Advanced speech rehabilitation methods, including voice prosthesis, can help restore communication.
3. Total Glossectomy (Tongue Removal)
Used for advanced tongue cancers, this procedure involves complete removal of the tongue.
Partial Glossectomy - Removal of only part of the tongue to preserve speech and swallowing functions.
Reconstruction with flap surgeries is performed to restore function.
4. Mandibulectomy (Jawbone Removal)
A procedure to remove part or all of the mandible (jawbone) in cases of oral cancers or bone-invading tumors.
Segmental Mandibulectomy - A section of the jawbone is removed and reconstructed.
Marginal Mandibulectomy - Removes the affected bone while preserving the jaw structure.
5. Maxillectomy (Upper Jaw & Palate Removal)
Performed to treat sinus and maxillary cancers, involving removal of the upper jawbone.
Partial Maxillectomy - Removal of part of the upper jaw.
Total Maxillectomy - Complete removal, sometimes requiring a prosthetic rehabilitation.
6. Thyroidectomy (Thyroid Removal Surgery)
Used to treat thyroid cancer, involving removal of the thyroid gland.
Total Thyroidectomy - Removal of the entire thyroid.
Partial Thyroidectomy - Removal of one lobe if the cancer is localized.
7. Parotidectomy (Salivary Gland Tumor Removal)
A procedure to remove tumors from the parotid gland (largest salivary gland).
Superficial Parotidectomy - Removal of tumors while preserving the facial nerve.
Total Parotidectomy - Removal of the entire gland in advanced cases.
Reconstruction after Head & Neck Radical Surgeries
Your pancreas is an important organ located in your abdomen. It’s shaped a bit like a fish. The widest part on the right is called the head. The middle section is called the neck or body, and the thin end is referred to as the tail. Your pancreas makes hormones, helps your body digest food and controls your sugar levels.
What is pancreatic cancer?
To restore function and appearance, advanced reconstructive techniques are used:
Free Flap Surgery - Tissue from another part of the body is used to reconstruct removed areas.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation - Custom-made prosthetics help restore speech, chewing, and facial structure.
Speech & Swallowing Therapy - Essential for recovery after surgeries involving the throat, tongue, or larynx.
Recovery & Post-Surgical Care
Hospital Stay: 5-10 days depending on the procedure
Rehabilitation:Speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and physiotherapy as needed.
Nutritional Support: Some patients may need a feeding tube initially.
Follow-Up: Regular monitoring with scans and check-ups to detect recurrence.
