Treatment for head and neck cancer involves a number of procedures. While the primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer, patients may also need reconstruction. These procedures can be performed in a number of ways, and the aims of each type are to improve the patient’s appearance and function. Read on to learn about the different types of surgeries available. This article provides an overview of what to expect during head and neck cancer removes.
A doctor may use laser technology during a surgery to treat cancer in the larynx. Excision involves removing the cancerous tissue, leaving a margin of healthy tissue. The doctor may also perform lymph node dissection, which removes lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases, these procedures are performed at the same time. Patients should always ask about all possible options before undergoing any type of surgery. The best option will depend on the specific cancer, the type of treatment and the severity of your symptoms.
Most head and neck cancers originate from squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the throat, mouth, and nose. They are associated with smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure, which is one of the risk factors for head and neck cancer. Fortunately, most cases of head and neck cancer are curable with the right treatment. It is important to understand the risks involved in head and neck cancer before undergoing treatment.
Patients with advanced stage head and neck cancers may undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are typically used to shrink larger cancers prior to surgery or to kill cancer cells that have not been removed during surgery. In advanced cases, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy to treat the tumor and related symptoms. This treatment is recommended when the cancer has spread to nearby areas and is recurrent. It may also be followed by other treatments such as radiotherapy.
Before beginning therapy, patients should discuss their goals for treatment. This includes a clear understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the various options. A shared decision-making process with the patient is important in these circumstances. Cancer treatment decisions are made jointly by the patient and his or her health care team. However, the risks associated with each treatment are lower than those of curative treatments. If the disease has advanced, patients will likely be diagnosed with a terminal disease.
While radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the mainstays of treatment for head and neck cancer, surgery is also a vital part of managing the disease. A surgeon may be able to remove the tumor while preserving the surrounding tissues. A team of specialists may also be required for complex tumors. Further, chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor and kill cancer cells that remain. The final treatment option may be surgery to remove all the cancer.
Patients with advanced stages of HNSCC may benefit from targeted molecular therapies. These treatments have become available as a viable alternative to chemotherapy and radiation, and may even improve patient survival. For more information about treatment options, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for your case. Most people will need several surgeries in their lifetime. In the meantime, they should undergo a biopsy as soon as possible. These procedures are expensive and can take many months.
