About Throat Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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Aims for complete removal of cancerous tissue with clear margins.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques like TORS for select tumors, leading to less pain and faster recovery.Performed by a specialized surgical oncologist with expertise in head and neck anatomy.Often curative for early-stage throat cancers.Focuses on preserving critical functions like swallowing and speech whenever possible.Integrates with other treatments like radiation for a comprehensive approach./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or other malignancies of the larynx, pharynx, or tonsils.
- Early-stage (Stage I or II) throat cancer where surgery is the primary treatment.
- Locally advanced cancer (Stage III or IV) as part of combined modality treatment.
- A tumor that has not responded adequately to radiation or chemotherapy.
- A recurrent cancer after previous treatment.
- A biopsy-confirmed malignant lesion that is accessible and resectable.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup including endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging (CT/MRI/PET scan) for staging.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly a speech-language pathologist.
- Nutritional assessment; a feeding tube may be placed pre-operatively if significant swallowing impairment is anticipated.
- Smoking and alcohol cessation is strongly recommended to improve healing.
- Management of any other medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or permanent need for a feeding tube.
- Changes or loss of voice (hoarseness or aphonia), especially with laryngectomy.
- Damage to nearby structures like nerves, leading to shoulder weakness or numbness.
- Formation of a fistula (an abnormal connection) in the neck.
- Scarring and changes in physical appearance of the neck.
- Risk of recurrence of cancer.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and wound care.
- If a tracheostomy tube is placed, care and eventual removal will be managed by the medical team.
- Working closely with a speech-language pathologist to rehabilitate speech and swallowing.
- Gradual transition from tube feeding to oral diet as swallowing improves.
- Regular follow-up appointments for wound checks and surveillance for recurrence.
- Adherence to a tailored plan for physical activity and rest; avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Emotional and psychological support is often recommended during the recovery period.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering throat cancer surgery 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 throat cancer surgery. 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 throat cancer surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 1.2 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 4.2 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation | Know More |
Reyansh Bhatia, a 58-year-old history professor,...
Reyansh Bhatia, a 58-year-old history professor, had always been a man of words. For months, he dismissed his persistent hoarseness and a feeling of a lump in his throat as stress from lecturing. When swallowing his beloved chai became painful, his wife insisted he see a doctor. A biopsy confirmed stage II squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to remove the tumor, explaining it was less invasive and could preserve his speech and swallowing function better than traditional open surgery. Terrified of losing his voice, his livelihood and passion, Reyansh agreed. The surgery was successful, and the tumor was fully removed with clear margins. His recovery involved a temporary feeding tube and intensive speech therapy. While his voice is softer and slightly raspier now, he is cancer-free and back in the classroom. The emotional journey was profound; he grappled with a deep fear of silence and irrelevance. Post-recovery, he feels a renewed gratitude for every word he speaks and has started a support group for fellow patients, transforming his fear into purpose.
Surgical Oncologists for Throat Cancer Surgery
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform throat cancer surgery 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