DEFINITION:
Head and neck cancers are often referred to as squamous cell
carcinomas since most begin in the cells that line the structures
found in the head and neck (squamous cells). Cancers of the
head and neck are further identified by the area in which they
begin: the oral cavity which includes the lips, the front two-thirds
of the tongue, the gums (gingiva), the lining inside the cheeks
and lips (buccal mucosa), the bottom (floor) of the mouth under
the tongue, the bony top of the mouth (hard palate), and the
small area behind the wisdom teeth; the salivary glands under
the tongue, in front of the ears, and under the jawbone, as
well as in other parts of the upper digestive tract; the paranasal
sinuses, small hollow spaces in the bones of the head surrounding
the nose, and the nasal cavity, the hollow space inside the
nose; the pharynx, a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts
behind the nose and leads to the esophagus (the tube that goes
to the stomach) and the trachea (the tube that goes to the lungs);
the larynx, also called the voicebox, which is a short passageway
formed by cartilage just below the pharynx in the neck and contains
the vocal cords as well as a small piece of tissue, called the
epiglottis, which moves to cover the larynx to prevent food
from entering the air passages; the lymph nodes in the upper
part of the neck. Cancers of the brain, eye, and thyroid usually
are not included in the category of head and neck cancers. Cancers
of the scalp, skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck
are also usually not considered cancers of the head and neck.
TREATMENT:
The goal in all cancer treatment is to cure both the primary
site and the regional lymph nodes and, if present, systemic
metastases. Our aim is to incur the least amount of damage as
possible to other vital structures in the head and neck region.
When possible, a variety of minimally invasive techniques are
used. A multidisciplinary team including medical oncologists
and radiologists collaborate for the best outcomes.
BENEFITS
There are dramatic benefits to Minimally Invasive Surgery. The
smaller incision minimizes tissue damage allowing for a shorter
hospital stay and faster recovery time. Patients also enjoy
reduced post-operative pain and less scarring than open surgery.
FIND
A DOCTOR This surgery is performed by the following
physician(s). Click on a name for a complete profile and contact
information.
Mark
L. Urken, M.D., F.A.C.S, Chairman
Eric
Genden, M.D.
Back
to top
