Surgical Treatment Options
There are several surgical techniques used to remove head and neck tumors. The most common is primary tumor resection, which removes the tumor along with surrounding tissue. In some cases, Mohs microscopic surgery is used—especially for lip cancers—to remove the tumor in thin layers while preserving healthy tissue.
More extensive surgeries may be required depending on the tumor’s size and location, such as:
Maxillectomy
Which removes part of the hard palate.
Laryngectomy
Which may include removal of the voice box.
Composite Resection
Which involves both soft tissue and jawbone.
Neck Dissection
Used when lymph nodes are affected.
All surgical decisions are made in collaboration with the patient and a team of specialists in radiation and medical oncology.
Side Effects and Post-Surgical Care
Side effects vary by procedure but may include swelling, soreness, or changes in speech and swallowing. Some patients may also experience changes in appearance, which can often be minimized with microvascular reconstruction techniques.
Post-surgical nutrition is essential for recovery. Because surgery can affect the ability to chew or swallow, Dr. Krevitt works closely with nutritionists and swallowing specialists to ensure patients receive the nutrients they need—typically through smaller, soft meals.
Speech and Rehabilitation Support
Recovery doesn’t stop at surgery. Our team includes speech-language pathologists who help patients regain the ability to swallow and speak. Therapies range from strengthening exercises to assistive speech devices, especially after procedures like laryngectomy.
We also collaborate with plastic and reconstructive surgeons when needed to support both function and appearance during the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common surgical technique for head and neck tumors is primary tumor resection, which removes the tumor along with surrounding tissue. For certain cases like lip cancers, Mohs microscopic surgery is used to remove the tumor in thin layers while preserving healthy tissue. More extensive surgeries such as maxillectomy, laryngectomy, composite resection, and neck dissection may be necessary depending on the tumor's size and location.
Neck dissection is a surgical procedure used when lymph nodes in the neck are affected by cancer. It involves removing these lymph nodes and surrounding tissue to prevent the spread of cancer. This surgery is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan coordinated with oncology specialists.
Microvascular reconstruction involves transplanting tissue with its blood supply to the surgical site to restore both appearance and function. This advanced technique can minimize changes in appearance after extensive tumor removal, aiding in better cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients.
Side effects vary depending on the surgical procedure but commonly include swelling, soreness, and changes in speech or swallowing. Some patients may also experience cosmetic changes which can be addressed with reconstructive surgery. Post-surgical care often involves managing these symptoms and supporting recovery.
Post-surgical nutrition is critical because surgery can affect chewing and swallowing abilities. Nutritionists and swallowing specialists collaborate with the surgical team to provide patients with appropriate dietary plans, often consisting of smaller, soft meals to ensure adequate nutrient intake during recovery.
Rehabilitation includes support from speech-language pathologists who help patients regain swallowing and speaking abilities through exercises and assistive devices. Additionally, plastic and reconstructive surgeons may be involved to restore function and appearance, offering a comprehensive recovery plan.
Surgical treatment decisions are made collaboratively between the patient and a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. This team approach ensures personalized and effective treatment planning based on the patient's specific condition.