Head & Neck Oncology and Glandular Surgeries

Surgery for Oral Cavity & Voice Box Cancer

Surgical management of oral cavity and voice box (laryngeal) cancers is a critical step in the treatment of head and neck malignancies. These cancers may affect the tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft palate, or the voice box, impacting speech, swallowing, and breathing.

Oral cancer surgery involves excising the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. Depending on the location and size, the procedure may range from local excision to more extensive resections like glossectomy (partial or total), mandibulectomy (jawbone resection), or maxillectomy. Reconstruction is often done using flaps or grafts to restore appearance and function.

Voice box cancer surgery may include:

• Endoscopic removal of early-stage tumors using laser or robotic-assisted techniques.
• Partial laryngectomy, preserving some vocal function.
• Total laryngectomy, where the entire voice box is removed in advanced cases, followed by voice rehabilitation using speech prosthesis or esophageal speech.

In both cases, neck dissection may be performed to remove potentially affected lymph nodes. Reconstruction and rehabilitation are key to restoring quality of life, including speech therapy and swallowing training post-surgery.

Early detection and timely surgical intervention greatly improve prognosis. Dr. Abhishek S. uses advanced techniques to ensure precise tumor removal while preserving critical functions. Multidisciplinary care, including oncology, plastic surgery, and speech therapy, ensures patients receive comprehensive support throughout recovery.

Surgical care for these cancers not only aims to cure but also to maintain dignity and function for every patient.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, is performed to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. It is commonly done to treat thyroid nodules, goiters, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid cancer. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates metabolism through hormone production.

The surgery is typically classified as:

• Hemithyroidectomy – Removal of one lobe of the thyroid.
• Total thyroidectomy – Complete removal of the gland.
• Completion thyroidectomy – Removal of the remaining thyroid after a prior partial removal.

Thyroid surgery is often recommended when nodules are large, causing compression symptoms (difficulty in swallowing or breathing), or if fine-needle aspiration suggests malignancy. In cases of thyroid cancer, lymph node dissection may also be performed.

The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. A small horizontal incision is made in the neck crease to access the gland. Modern techniques, including nerve monitoring, help preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the voice, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels.

Recovery is generally smooth, with most patients discharged within 1–2 days. Voice changes, calcium imbalance, or scar formation are possible but rare complications when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Dr. Abhishek S. ensures meticulous surgical technique and personalized care, balancing complete disease removal with preservation of function. Patients are supported throughout—from diagnosis to post-surgical recovery—with attention to hormone management and cosmetic outcomes.

Thyroid surgery, when needed, is a safe and effective solution for both benign and malignant conditions of the thyroid gland.

Parotid & Salivary Gland Excision

Parotid and salivary gland excision refers to the surgical removal of the parotid gland (the largest salivary gland located near the ear) or other major salivary glands such as the submandibular and sublingual glands. This procedure is typically performed to treat benign or malignant tumors, chronic infections, obstructive stones, or cysts that affect the gland.

The parotid gland is particularly delicate due to its proximity to the facial nerve, which controls facial movement. Therefore, parotidectomy (removal of the parotid gland) requires meticulous dissection to avoid nerve injury. Advanced intraoperative nerve monitoring significantly reduces risks, ensuring facial function is preserved.

Surgical approaches depend on the location and extent of the disease:

• Superficial parotidectomy – Removes only the affected outer part of the gland.
• Total parotidectomy – Involves complete gland removal, often used in malignancies.
• Submandibular/sublingual gland excision – Performed through a small neck incision for deep gland issues.

Most patients undergo this surgery under general anesthesia and can return home within 1–2 days. Post-operative care includes pain management, wound care, and monitoring for temporary or permanent nerve weakness, saliva accumulation (sialocele), or Frey’s syndrome (sweating in the cheek area during eating).

Dr. Abhishek S. brings expert precision to every case, using modern, minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best outcomes. With a strong focus on preserving both function and aesthetics, patients receive comprehensive pre- and post-surgical care tailored to their needs.