Head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers generally begin in the squamous cells that line the moist and mucous surfaces inside the head and neck.

They can also start in the salivary glands, but this is uncommon.

Types of head and neck cancers

Types of head and neck cancers

Includes nasopharyngeal cancer,
oropharyngeal cancer,
and hypopharyngeal cancer

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Around 60% of cases
begin in the glottis

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It is the most common
of those that occur in
the salivary glands

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Sometimes, more
than one cancer occurs
at the same time in the oropharynx

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It can occur in
the mouth (oral) or in
the throat (hypopharyngeal

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The most common
type is squamous
cell carcinoma

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Surgery as a treatment for cancer

Surgery is the primary treatment for most people with any type of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck surgery is recommended for patients with benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors located in the head and neck area (throat, vocal cords, salivary glands, tonsils, mouth, and nose).

There are several types of head and neck surgeries that a surgeon can perform, including:

  • Laser technology: Surgery to treat an early-stage tumor, especially if found in the larynx.
  • Excision: Surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and part of the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Neck dissection: Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the neck when there is suspicion that cancer has spread. This can be performed at the same time as an excision.
  • Reconstructive (plastic) surgery: Surgery to replace missing tissue when cancer surgery requires significant tissue removal, such as when removing the jaw, skin, pharynx, or tongue.

Surgery as a treatment for cancer

Surgery is the primary treatment for most people with any type of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck surgery is recommended for patients with benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors located in the head and neck area (throat, vocal cords, salivary glands, tonsils, mouth, and nose).

There are several types of head and neck surgeries that a surgeon can perform, including:

  • Laser technology: Surgery to treat an early-stage tumor, especially if found in the larynx.
  • Excision: Surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and part of the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Neck dissection: Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the neck when there is suspicion that cancer has spread. This can be done at the same time as an excision.
  • Reconstructive (plastic) surgery: Surgery to replace missing tissue when cancer surgery requires significant tissue removal, for example, when removing the jaw, skin, pharynx, or tongue.

Dr. Adolfo will be with you at all times

Dr. Adolfo will be with you at all times

Before the surgery

Initial Consultation

During your first consultation with Dr. Montemayor, your medical history will be reviewed, a physical examination will be conducted, and the need for surgery will be evaluated.

Consent

Dr. Adolfo will inform you about the risks and benefits of the surgery. If you decide to proceed, you will be asked to sign a consent form.

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Any patient considering thyroid surgery will need to undergo some pre-operative tests, such as:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Cardiopulmonary evaluation (heart)
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan An electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray are recommended for patients over 45 years of age or those with symptoms of heart disease. Any patient who has experienced a change in their voice, or who has had a previous neck surgery, will need a pre-operative vocal cord evaluation.

Other Considerations

Check with your insurance provider for details about coverage before the surgery. Consider having a family member or friend accompany you on the day of the surgery. Arrange for care during your recovery phase, including transportation home from the hospital.

The Day of the Surgery

  • You will be informed of how many hours in advance you should arrive at the office.
  • Dr. Montemayor will review some details of the procedure with you.
  • We will direct you to the waiting room for your family members and companions.
  • After the procedure, Dr. Adolfo will inform your family and companions about the results.

Procedure

  • Initially, general anesthesia will be administered.
  • Dr. Adolfo will make an incision at the base of your neck (7 to 10 cm) and using magnification lenses, locate the thyroid gland to perform a total or partial removal.
  • Subsequently, Dr. Adolfo will proceed to close the incision with sutures and cover it with sterilization tape.
  • This procedure generally lasts two to three hours.
  • After the surgery, you will remain in the recovery room.

Recovery

  • Most patients can leave the hospital the morning after the surgery.
  • You will likely feel tired and experience some pain for a few days, for which painkillers will be prescribed.
  • You may have a sore throat and slight swelling in your neck. This will improve after a few days but may continue for up to a week.
  • If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, contact Dr. Adolfo.

Recovery at Home

  • Most people take 1 to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery.
  • Do not drive for at least one week.
  • Do not smoke during the recovery process.
  • Consult with Dr. Adolfo about the physical activities you can do after the surgery, as well as the appropriate diet.

Insurance Providers Accepted

Insurance Providers Accepted

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Adolfo Montemayor Alatorre - Doctoralia.com.mx

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