Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in India – Best Hospitals & Doctors

Learn about Head and Neck Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Head and Neck Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

Partner Hospitals

0 partner in India for this surgery

Specialist Doctors

4 Surgeons linked to this surgery

Treatment Cost

Approx INR 200 Thousand – 800 Thousand

About Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove malignant tumors affecting areas such as the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. The goal is to completely excise the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. Depending on the cancer's location and stage, the surgeon may perform procedures like a glossectomy (tongue removal), laryngectomy (voice box removal), or neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes. This surgery is often part of a multimodal treatment plan that may include radiation or chemotherapy. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, aim to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time.

Key Highlights

Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in complex head and neck anatomy.Aims for complete tumor removal (clear margins) to reduce the risk of recurrence.Can often be combined with reconstructive surgery to restore appearance and function.Utilizes advanced techniques like transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for less invasive approaches.Critical component of a multidisciplinary treatment plan for optimal cancer control.

Who is this surgery for?

Diagnosis of a malignant tumor in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, or salivary glands.
Cancer that has not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
Presence of enlarged or cancerous lymph nodes in the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy).
To relieve symptoms caused by the tumor, such as obstruction, pain, or difficulty swallowing.
As a preventive (prophylactic) measure in high-risk cases or for salvage after other treatments fail.

How to prepare

Comprehensive diagnostic workup including biopsy, CT, MRI, or PET scans to stage the cancer.
Pre-operative consultations with the surgical oncologist, anesthesiologist, and possibly a reconstructive surgeon.
Nutritional assessment and support; a feeding tube may be placed pre-operatively if needed.
Dental evaluation and any necessary dental work to prevent post-operative infections.
Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.

Risks & possible complications

General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
Functional risks: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), changes in speech or voice, and altered taste.
Cosmetic changes: Scarring and alterations in facial appearance, which reconstructive surgery aims to address.
Nerve damage: Potential injury to nerves controlling facial movement, shoulder function, or tongue sensation.
Fistula formation: An abnormal connection between the skin and the digestive or respiratory tract.
Long-term issues: Chronic pain, dry mouth (xerostomia), or need for a permanent tracheostomy.

Recovery & hospital stay

Initial hospital stay for monitoring airway, pain management, and wound care.
Use of a feeding tube for nutrition until swallowing function is safely restored.
Speech and swallowing therapy with a specialist to regain communication and eating abilities.
Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing, manage complications, and check for cancer recurrence.
Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on strenuous exercise as advised.
Ongoing support for nutritional, psychological, and rehabilitative needs.

Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering head and neck cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

＋ − Which hospitals are best for head and neck cancer in India?

Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.

＋ − How do I choose the right doctor for head and neck cancer?

Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform head and neck cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.

＋ − What factors affect the cost of head and neck cancer?

The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.

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Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for head and neck cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country	Estimated cost range	Typical stay	Recovery time	View details
India	INR 200 Thousand – 800 Thousand	7-14 days	~ 4-8 weeks	Know More
Turkey	TRY 700 Thousand – 2.8 Million	7-14 days	~ 4-8 weeks	Know More

PATIENT REVIEW

John Reddy, a 58-year-old former construction...

John Reddy, a 58-year-old former construction site foreman, had been a lifelong smoker and moderate drinker. For months, he dismissed a persistent sore throat and hoarseness as 'just a cold that won't quit,' until he felt a small, painless lump on the left side of his neck while shaving. His primary care doctor referred him to a surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, who performed a biopsy. It revealed stage II squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Dr. Evans recommended a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to remove the tumor, explaining it was less invasive than traditional open surgery. John was terrified of losing his voice and ability to eat normally. The surgery was successful, and though he needed a temporary feeding tube and intensive speech therapy, he regained most of his swallowing and speaking function. The emotional journey was brutal; pre-surgery, he felt deep shame and fear, convinced his lifestyle choices had doomed him. Post-recovery, while he grieves the loss of his old voice's timbre and struggles with taste changes, he feels a profound gratitude for a second chance. He has quit smoking and drinking and now volunteers to speak to high-risk groups about early detection.