ORAL CANCER
I will not get cancer since I have stopped chewing tobacco.
Once anyone is exposed to a carcinogenic agent, such as tobacco or alcohol, the risk of cancer persists for a lifetime, regardless of how long they stop these habits. Some individuals may develop oral cancer or other types of cancer, necessitating ongoing cancer care. These patients will require regular follow-ups and periodic screenings by a specialist in head and neck surgery or surgical oncology, particularly for concerns like thyroid cancer.
Oral cancer screening is costly.
During the screening for oral cancer, patients will undergo a simple examination as part of their cancer care. Only if the clinician suspects an issue will the patient be referred for biopsy and imaging, which is a standard practice in surgical oncology. The screening process is as minimal as possible, ensuring efficiency while addressing potential concerns related to head and neck surgery or thyroid cancer.
I will not be able to lead normal life after cancer surgery.
Now, with advances in surgical techniques in the field of surgical oncology, tumors can be removed completely without causing permanent damage to normal structures. In the realm of head and neck surgery, advanced reconstructive techniques enable patients to lead a near-normal life after surgery. However, patients may need to make some modifications in their job or dietary habits, particularly if they are dealing with advanced oral cancer or thyroid cancer, which could necessitate larger resections.
Chemotherapy cures oral cancer.
The standard of care for oral cancer typically involves head and neck surgery, followed by radiation or chemoradiation. It is a misconception that chemotherapy alone can cure oral cancer, as effective cancer care requires a comprehensive approach that often includes surgical oncology.
I will not be able to eat after tongue cancer surgery.
Depending on the extent of removal of the tongue during head and neck surgery, a reconstructive procedure will be performed as part of your cancer care. After your oral cancer surgery, you will be able to eat and swallow, although certain patients may need dietary modifications. A swallow therapist will assist you through the rehabilitation process, ensuring you receive comprehensive support in your journey through surgical oncology and recovery.
I will not be able to eat after my surgery. I have been told that my jawbone needs to be removed.
After undergoing head and neck surgery for oral cancer, the removal of jaw bone will be followed by the reconstruction using a bone flap from your leg (fibula). This process is part of surgical oncology and cancer care. Once dental implants are placed on this reconstructed bone and the complete rehabilitation process is finished, you will be able to eat normally, allowing you to regain a quality of life post-treatment for conditions such as thyroid cancer.
I will lose my teeth after surgery.
If oral cancer has spread into the lower or upper jaw bone, it may be necessary to remove a portion or the entire jaw bone. In such cases, the teeth will also need to be extracted. However, as part of cancer care and the reconstruction process, if the complete jaw bone is removed, a portion of bone from the leg will be attached to the remaining jaw bone. This allows for effective dental rehabilitation over the newly reconstructed area, which is a vital aspect of head and neck surgery within the field of surgical oncology, especially for patients dealing with thyroid cancer.
What is plastic surgery? What is microvascular reconstruction?
In the context of cancer care, particularly during head and neck surgery for oral cancer, it is often necessary to remove a cancerous portion along with a margin of normal tissue. This could involve the jaw bone, tongue, cheek skin, or other areas. Following this removal, a defect will remain, and if this defect is not reconstructed, there will be a functional compromise. To address this, microvascular reconstruction is employed, where tissue from another part of the body is transferred into the mouth. This tissue can be harvested from the hand, thigh, leg, or back. For the transferred tissue to survive, it requires a constant blood supply. After the tissue is relocated, the blood vessels from the hand, leg, thigh, or back are connected to the blood vessels in the neck to establish circulation, enabling the tissue to thrive. This intricate process is part of plastic surgery and falls under the umbrella of surgical oncology. The small blood vessels involved, measuring 2-5mm in diameter, are closely monitored for blood circulation in the flap after surgery, ensuring successful recovery, especially in cases related to thyroid cancer.
When will my jawbone not be replaced?
Usually, if the jaw bone is removed during head and neck surgery, it will be replaced by a bone graft. However, in certain unfortunate situations, especially in patients with a history of tobacco use, the mouth opening may be significantly reduced, complicating cancer care. In such cases, the bone may not be replaced effectively. If more tissue is removed along with the bone due to oral cancer or other conditions, both the bone and tissue need to be replaced. The mouth opening is a critical factor in determining whether bone reconstruction is feasible in surgical oncology.
What is the standard of care for oral cancer?
The standard management for oral cancer falls under the realm of surgical oncology, with head and neck surgery being a primary treatment option. In the early stages of oral cancer (Stage I and II), surgery with negative margins is typically sufficient. However, for Stage III and Stage IV oral cancer, which is considered locally advanced, patients will require adjuvant therapies, such as radiation or chemoradiation, as part of their cancer care plan.
What is tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure often utilized in cancer care, particularly for patients undergoing head and neck surgery. During this procedure, a silicone tube is inserted into the trachea (windpipe) to assist with breathing and to help clear secretions. In cases of complex or extensive resections due to oral cancer or thyroid cancer, significant swelling in the mouth and pharynx can occur after surgery. This swelling typically subsides within a few days. During this recovery period, patients may find it challenging to breathe through the nose and mouth, which is why a tracheostomy is performed. The tube effectively bypasses the upper airway, alleviating any breathing difficulties. Once the tube is removed, patients can resume breathing through their nose and regain their ability to talk.
WHAT IS MEANT BY METASTASIS?
Once anyone is exposed to a carcinogenic agent, such as tobacco or alcohol, the risk of cancer persists for a lifetime, regardless of how long they stop these habits. Some individuals may develop oral cancer or other types of cancer, necessitating ongoing cancer care. These patients will require regular follow-ups and periodic screenings by a specialist in head and neck surgery or surgical oncology, particularly for concerns like thyroid cancer.
WHAT IS MEANT BY CURATIVE OR PALLIATIVE INTENT OF TREATMENT?
During the screening for oral cancer, patients will undergo a simple examination as part of their cancer care. Only if the clinician suspects an issue will the patient be referred for biopsy and imaging, which is a standard practice in surgical oncology. The screening process is as minimal as possible, ensuring efficiency while addressing potential concerns related to head and neck surgery or thyroid cancer.
WHY SHOULD WE TAKE RADIOTHERAPY / CHEMOTHERAPY WHEN THE TUMOR IS REMOVED DURING SURGERY?
Now, with advances in surgical techniques in the field of surgical oncology, tumors can be removed completely without causing permanent damage to normal structures. In the realm of head and neck surgery, advanced reconstructive techniques enable patients to lead a near-normal life after surgery. However, patients may need to make some modifications in their job or dietary habits, particularly if they are dealing with advanced oral cancer or thyroid cancer, which could necessitate larger resections.
Does performing a biopsy lead to a quick spread of cancer?
The standard of care for oral cancer typically involves head and neck surgery, followed by radiation or chemoradiation. It is a misconception that chemotherapy alone can cure oral cancer, as effective cancer care requires a comprehensive approach that often includes surgical oncology.
do i need to do PET scan ?
Depending on the extent of removal of the tongue during head and neck surgery, a reconstructive procedure will be performed as part of your cancer care. After your oral cancer surgery, you will be able to eat and swallow, although certain patients may need dietary modifications. A swallow therapist will assist you through the rehabilitation process, ensuring you receive comprehensive support in your journey through surgical oncology and recovery.
How often should I check in after my treatment?
After undergoing head and neck surgery for oral cancer, the removal of jaw bone will be followed by the reconstruction using a bone flap from your leg (fibula). This process is part of surgical oncology and cancer care. Once dental implants are placed on this reconstructed bone and the complete rehabilitation process is finished, you will be able to eat normally, allowing you to regain a quality of life post-treatment for conditions such as thyroid cancer.
Oral Cancer Treatment
WHAT IS THYROID CANCER?
Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The primary role of this gland is to generate thyroid hormones that are crucial for our growth. Cancer can develop from different types of cells within the gland.
WHAT ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF THYROID CANCER?
Broadly, they are classified as well differentiated thyroid cancers, poorly differentiated thyroid cancers, anaplastic thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. Most often we see well differentiated thyroid cancer - papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer. These well differentiated cancers have good prognosis.
HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE THYROID CANCER?
Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed by a straightforward procedure known as FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology). During this procedure, the material will be extracted with a fine needle, spread onto a glass slide, and examined under a microscope. Additionally, the patient will have imaging tests (typically an ultrasound or CT scan) to evaluate the size of the nodule and the lymph nodes in the neck.
WHAT IS IODINE SCAN?
After thyroid surgery, the patient will have to undergo iodine scan. Initially for scan, small dose of radio iodine will be given. In this scan, we will assess for any microscopic disease ( which is not seen through naked eye). If any microscopic disease is present, a higher dose of iodine will be given to destroy these cells ( Iodine therapy) .
CAN THE THYROID TUMOR BE REMOVED WITHOUT ANY SCAR?
Small sized thyroid cancer can be removed through robotic surgery . Here the scar is small and can be placed in hidden areas.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS IN THYROID CANCER SURGERY?
The main complications in thyroid surgery is related to handling to normal surrounding structures. The main important structures surrounding the gland are the nerves related to voice (Recurrent laryngeal nerve) , trachea ( breathing tube), esophagus ( food pipe), parathyroid glands (regulate calcium levels). Unless we are handling locally advanced cancer the incidence of these complications range from 0 - 1%.
If the tumor is adherent to nerve, there might be possibility of voice change due to handling and dissection. The recovery of voice depends on the nerve status ( whether the nerve is cut or restricted to just dissecting around).
DO WE NEED TO REMOVE PARATHYROID GLANDS DURING THYROIDECTOMY?
NO. There is no need to remove parathyroid gland during thyroid surgery. But few patients tend to develop low calcium levels in view of handling parathyroid gland. This is transient and will recover within few weeks.
NOSE AND SINUS CANCER
I have been diagnosed with sinus cancer. My face will be disfigured after surgery.
Once anyone is exposed to a carcinogenic agent, such as tobacco or alcohol, the risk of cancer persists for a lifetime, regardless of how long they stop these habits. Some individuals may develop oral cancer or other types of cancer, necessitating ongoing cancer care. These patients will require regular follow-ups and periodic screenings by a specialist in head and neck surgery or surgical oncology, particularly for concerns like thyroid cancer.
Will I be able to breathe through my nose after endoscopy surgery?
During the screening for oral cancer, patients will undergo a simple examination as part of their cancer care. Only if the clinician suspects an issue will the patient be referred for biopsy and imaging, which is a standard practice in surgical oncology. The screening process is as minimal as possible, ensuring efficiency while addressing potential concerns related to head and neck surgery or thyroid cancer.
What is CSF leak?
Now, with advances in surgical techniques in the field of surgical oncology, tumors can be removed completely without causing permanent damage to normal structures. In the realm of head and neck surgery, advanced reconstructive techniques enable patients to lead a near-normal life after surgery. However, patients may need to make some modifications in their job or dietary habits, particularly if they are dealing with advanced oral cancer or thyroid cancer, which could necessitate larger resections.
What is navigation guided surgery?
The standard of care for oral cancer typically involves head and neck surgery, followed by radiation or chemoradiation. It is a misconception that chemotherapy alone can cure oral cancer, as effective cancer care requires a comprehensive approach that often includes surgical oncology.
SALIVARY GLAND CANCER
WHAT ARE SALIVARY GLANDS?
Once anyone is exposed to a carcinogenic agent, such as tobacco or alcohol, the risk of cancer persists for a lifetime, regardless of how long they stop these habits. Some individuals may develop oral cancer or other types of cancer, necessitating ongoing cancer care. These patients will require regular follow-ups and periodic screenings by a specialist in head and neck surgery or surgical oncology, particularly for concerns like thyroid cancer.
how many salivary glands do we have?
During the screening for oral cancer, patients will undergo a simple examination as part of their cancer care. Only if the clinician suspects an issue will the patient be referred for biopsy and imaging, which is a standard practice in surgical oncology. The screening process is as minimal as possible, ensuring efficiency while addressing potential concerns related to head and neck surgery or thyroid cancer.
can we get tumor from the salivary gland?
Now, with advances in surgical techniques in the field of surgical oncology, tumors can be removed completely without causing permanent damage to normal structures. In the realm of head and neck surgery, advanced reconstructive techniques enable patients to lead a near-normal life after surgery. However, patients may need to make some modifications in their job or dietary habits, particularly if they are dealing with advanced oral cancer or thyroid cancer, which could necessitate larger resections.
What is the modality of treatment for salivary gland tumors?
The standard of care for oral cancer typically involves head and neck surgery, followed by radiation or chemoradiation. It is a misconception that chemotherapy alone can cure oral cancer, as effective cancer care requires a comprehensive approach that often includes surgical oncology.
what is the risk of facial nerve injury during parotidectomy?
Depending on the extent of removal of the tongue during head and neck surgery, a reconstructive procedure will be performed as part of your cancer care. After your oral cancer surgery, you will be able to eat and swallow, although certain patients may need dietary modifications. A swallow therapist will assist you through the rehabilitation process, ensuring you receive comprehensive support in your journey through surgical oncology and recovery.
what is facial nerve monitoring during parotidectomy?
After undergoing head and neck surgery for oral cancer, the removal of jaw bone will be followed by the reconstruction using a bone flap from your leg (fibula). This process is part of surgical oncology and cancer care. Once dental implants are placed on this reconstructed bone and the complete rehabilitation process is finished, you will be able to eat normally, allowing you to regain a quality of life post-treatment for conditions such as thyroid cancer.