Head & Neck Surgery

Head and neck surgery is a complex and fascinating field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the head and neck region. From thyroid and parathyroid surgeries to complex reconstruction of the jaw and face, head and neck surgeons play a critical role in restoring health and improving the quality of life for their patients. 

What makes this specialty so unique and compelling is not just the surgeries’ complexity but the profound impact that successful outcomes can have on patients' day-to-day lives. As a head and neck surgeon, the opportunity to help patients overcome challenges and navigate their way back to health is nothing short of inspiring. At ENT & Allergy Associates, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care. 

Head & Neck Cancer

Cancers of the head and neck include malignancies of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), and neck. Historically such malignancies were often associated with tobacco and alcohol usage and those substances remain important etiologic factors.  In recent years there has been a marked increase in the incidence of head and neck cancer (particularly malignancies of the tonsils and tongue base) caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful swallowing
• Throat pain
• Weight loss
• Persistent ear pain without hearing loss
• Persistent neck mass (often painless)
• Oral bleeding Stridor (noisy breathing)

Patients exhibiting any of these symptoms should be evaluated by one of the physicians at ENT & Allergy Associates as soon as possible.

Treatment of H&N Cancer

There are numerous options to treat H&N cancer. The most common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The optimal treatment must be individualized for each cancer and each patient, depending upon the type of cancer, the site of the cancer, the stage (extent) of the cancer, and the underlying health status of the patient.

These complex malignancies often require the expertise of numerous physicians and para-health professionals (speech-language pathologists, dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists) in different specialties working in a collaborative, team-oriented approach. Such specialists may include head and neck surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, skull base surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.