Learn about Throat Cancer Surgery 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 Throat Cancer Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Throat Cancer Surgery

Throat cancer surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove malignant tumors from the pharynx (throat) or larynx (voice box). The goal is to completely excise the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy function as possible, such as swallowing and speech. The specific type of surgery, which may include transoral robotic surgery (TORS), laryngectomy, or pharyngectomy, depends on the tumor's location, size, and stage. This procedure is often part of a multimodal treatment plan that may include radiation or chemotherapy. Performed under general anesthesia, it requires significant expertise to navigate the complex anatomy of the throat and neck, aiming for a cure or significant disease control.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked 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.

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
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated