What is Head & Neck Cancer?

Head & neck cancers arise in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinus cavities, salivary glands, thyroid gland, and surrounding tissues of the head and neck region, impairing the body's ability to speak, swallow, breathe, hear, chew, and even affecting the appearance of the face. Due to the intricacies involved, the treatment of head & neck cancer necessitates expertise, technology, and collaboration.

The recent developments in oncology have brought about a fundamental change in the treatment approach to cancer of the head & neck region, through precision surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation procedures. For treatment to be successful, early diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are essential.

What are the Objectives of Head & Neck Cancer Treatments?

The main objectives of cancer management are to:

  • Remove/contain the malignancy.
  • Halt its progression/metastasis.
  • Save vital bodily functions, such as speech, swallowing, and respiration.
  • Safeguard facial aesthetics and well-being.
  • Conduct long-term rehabilitation and supportive care.

The treatment plan will be influenced by:

  • The type/localization of cancer
  • The stage of illness
  • The involvement of lymph nodes
  • The patient's age and general health condition

What is Multidisciplinary Care For Head & Neck Cancers?

Treatment of these cancers requires collaboration among several medical professionals.

The head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team consists of:

  • Head and neck surgical oncologist
  • Ear, nose, and throat specialist
  • Medical oncologist
  • Radiation oncologist
  • Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgeon
  • Radiologist/pathologist
  • Speech/swallowing therapist
  • Dietitian/Rehabilitation specialist

It enables a more personalized approach to treatment planning.

How is Head & Neck Cancers Diagnosed?

Before treatment can begin, accurate diagnosis & staging are important.

Advanced Imaging Services

Newer imaging methods enable measurement of the tumor size and extent.

Diagnostic Tools Available At Our Facility Include:

  • CT Scan
  • MRI Scan
  • PET-CT Scan
  • Ultrasound scan

Advanced imaging services help formulate an effective treatment plan.

Endoscopy Examination

Advanced techniques allow visual inspection of:

  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Vocal cords
  • Nasal passages

Endoscopy allows early tumor detection and biopsy.

What are the Treatment Services for Head & Neck Cancer?

One of the common treatments used is surgery for cancer.

Oral Cancer Surgery

Cancer-related surgeries can be performed for:

  • Tongue
  • Gums
  • Lips
  • Floor of the mouth
  • Buccal mucosa
  • Mandible

Our surgical methods aim to ensure complete tumor removal.

Neck Dissection Surgery

Neck dissection is done if cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes in the neck. It includes:

  • Selective neck dissection
  • Modified radical neck dissection
  • Radical neck dissection

Modern methods try to conserve nerves, muscles, and shoulder movements as much as possible.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

TORS is a procedure in which certain throat cancers can be removed using a robot, without making incisions on the outside of the body.

Advantages:

  • Lesser bleeding
  • Low pain
  • Quick recovery
  • Minimal damage to speech and swallowing
  • Fewer scars

Endoscopic & Laser Surgery

Cancers at certain sites and stages may be treated with laser- or endoscope-assisted surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery

Following cancer surgery, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to:

  • Restore facial appearance
  • Repair the jawbone
  • Improve oral cavity function.
  • Gain back speech and swallowing abilities.

Microsurgery has brought about considerable improvements in this field.

IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)

IMRT provides highly focused radiation beams conforming to the tumor's structure while protecting nearby healthy tissues, including the following:

  • Salivary glands
  • Jawbone
  • Spinal cord
  • Vocal cords

This leads to reduced adverse effects and enhanced patient experience.

IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)

IGRT uses imaging during radiation therapy to improve treatment accuracy and precision.

Approaches to Organ Preservation

Use of advanced techniques like radiotherapy and chemotherapy may lead to:

  • Retention of the voice box function
  • Capacity to swallow
  • Ability to speak

In appropriate cases.

Chemotherapy Treatments

Chemotherapy involves administering drugs that destroy cancerous cells or inhibit their growth. The treatment can be:

  • Before surgery or radiation
  • Concomitant with radiation therapy
  • For advanced or metastatic conditions

Appropriate treatment regimens vary by cancer type and stage, as well as the patient's individual factors.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets particular molecular pathways in tumor growth and progression. Targeted treatments could:

  • Increase treatment precision
  • Reduce damage to healthy cells.
  • Increase the efficacy of treatment in selected types of cancer.

Immunotherapy Treatments

Immunotherapy works by boosting the bod's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is often used to treat:

  • Head and neck cancers in an advanced stage
  • Relapsed tumors
  • Metastatic disease

The survival of many patients has been improved with modern immunotherapy.

What type of Rehabilitation Services for Head & Neck Cancer Patient?

Treatments for head & neck cancer can impact speech, swallowing, nutrition, breathing, and appearance, which is why rehabilitation is an integral component of patient care.

Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Skilled professionals work with patients to improve the:

  • Intelligibility of speech
  • The capacity for swallowing
  • Motor function of the mouth

Nutritional therapy

Dietitians are available at all times throughout therapy to provide the necessary advice:

  • Preservation of energy
  • Optimization of healing
  • Limitation of side effects

Management of Pain & Symptoms

Supportive oncology services address issues such as:

  • Pain management
  • Moisturizing dry mouth
  • Resolving difficulty swallowing
  • Eliminating fatigue
  • Soothing emotional distress

Psychological & Emotional Support

Cancer treatment can be psychologically demanding. Psychotherapy and emotional support services help individuals cope with:

  • Anxiety caused by treatment
  • Stress reduction
  • Issues related to mental well-being

Follow-Up and Survivorship Care

It is important that one does regular follow-ups because:

  • To assess recovery progress
  • Detect any cancer relapse.
  • Leverage rehabilitation opportunities
  • Effectively manage post-treatment complications.

Patients are encouraged to schedule follow-up appointments and periodic imaging studies.

Significance of Customized Cancer Therapy

Each case of head & neck cancer is distinct. Tailored treatment plans take into account:

  • Tumor site and stage
  • Facilitate functional preservation
  • Patient preferences
  • General health status

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Head and Neck Cancer Treatments in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital provides advanced head and neck cancer treatments in Lucknow, India at an affordable price. We use the latest surgical, radiation, and medical oncology methods to create effective, personalized treatment plans. Our experienced team of oncologists and specialists, recognized as leaders in head and neck cancer care, offers comprehensive treatment, dependable follow-up, and guidance throughout your care.

To seek an Expert consultation for Head and Neck Cancer Treatments in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request an Appointment
Mon - Sat 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST

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