About Neck Cancer
Key Highlights
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Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in head and neck anatomy.Aims for complete cancer removal with clear surgical margins to reduce recurrence risk.Can be curative, especially for localized cancers.Often part of a coordinated, multidisciplinary cancer care plan.Techniques focus on preserving vital functions like swallowing, speech, and breathing.Reconstructive surgery may be performed simultaneously to restore appearance and function./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a primary malignant tumor in the neck region (e.g., larynx, pharynx, thyroid, salivary glands).
- Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes in the neck from another site.
- Persistent or recurrent cancer following radiation or chemotherapy.
- A biopsy-confirmed malignancy that is surgically resectable.
- To relieve symptoms caused by the tumor, such as airway obstruction or difficulty swallowing.
- As a diagnostic procedure (excisional biopsy) when other methods are inconclusive.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including imaging (CT, MRI, PET scan) and biopsy.
- Pre-operative consultations with the surgical oncologist, anesthesiologist, and possibly a reconstructive surgeon.
- Nutritional assessment and optimization; a feeding tube may be placed pre-operatively if needed.
- Smoking cessation and management of other health conditions like diabetes.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for surgery.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, potential outcomes, risks, and post-operative care requirements.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications.
- Damage to nerves, potentially affecting shoulder movement, tongue function, or facial muscles.
- Changes to voice, swallowing (dysphagia), or breathing, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Injury to major blood vessels or the airway.
- Chyle leak (leakage of lymphatic fluid).
- Scarring and changes in physical appearance.
- Need for a temporary or permanent tracheostomy (breathing hole in the neck).
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring of vital functions, pain management, and wound care.
- Possible use of feeding tubes and tracheostomy tubes initially, with weaning as function improves.
- Early mobilization and breathing exercises to prevent complications.
- Working with speech-language pathologists and physical therapists for rehabilitation.
- Gradual transition to oral diet as swallowing function allows.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing, manage side effects, and check for cancer recurrence.
- Emotional and psychological support to adapt to changes in function and appearance.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering neck cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
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.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform neck cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
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.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for neck cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation | Know More |
Sarah Williams, a 45-year-old high school...
Sarah Williams, a 45-year-old high school English teacher and mother of two, had always been healthy. For months, she dismissed a persistent sore throat and slight hoarseness as 'teacher's voice' and seasonal allergies. When a small, painless lump appeared on the left side of her neck, her primary care doctor ordered a scan. A biopsy confirmed stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, linked to HPV. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to remove the primary tumor, followed by a selective neck dissection to remove lymph nodes on the affected side. Sarah was terrified, not just of cancer, but of losing her voice and her ability to connect with her students. The surgery was successful, and pathology showed clear margins with minimal nodal involvement. Her recovery was challenging; she relied on a feeding tube for two weeks and worked diligently with a speech therapist to regain her vocal strength and swallowing function. Six months later, her voice is nearly back to normal, and she requires only surveillance scans. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from the shock of diagnosis and fear of disfigurement to profound gratitude for her care team and a renewed focus on her family and health. She now volunteers to support other newly diagnosed patients.
Surgical Oncologists for Neck Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform neck cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore