AIIMS-Trained Head & Neck Oncosurgeon

Head & Neck Cancer Surgeries Dr. Vimmi Gautam

Head and neck cancers — including oral cavity cancer, throat cancer, salivary gland tumours, and skull base tumours — require specialised surgical expertise for the best outcomes.

What Is Head & Neck Cancer Surgery?

Head and neck cancer surgery refers to the surgical removal of malignant tumours arising in the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid, sinuses, and skull base. The goal is complete cancer removal while preserving critical functions such as speaking, swallowing, chewing, and facial expression. In experienced hands, many head and neck cancers can be treated with organ-preserving approaches that significantly improve quality of life.

Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Which Cancers Are Treated with Head & Neck Surgery?

Head and neck cancer surgery addresses a wide range of malignancies affecting the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands, thyroid, and neck lymph nodes.

Oral Cavity Cancer

Cancer of the tongue, floor of mouth, cheek lining, lips, hard palate, and gums.

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Cancer involving the tonsils, base of tongue, and soft palate.

Laryngeal Cancer

Cancer of the voice box including glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic tumours.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Cancer affecting the lower part of the throat and swallowing passage.

Salivary Gland Cancer

Parotid, submandibular, and minor salivary gland tumours requiring specialist surgery.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Cancer

Papillary, follicular, medullary thyroid carcinoma and related endocrine cancers.

Sinonasal & Skull Base Tumours

Tumours arising from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and skull base region.

Neck Lymph Node Metastasis

Cancer spread to cervical lymph nodes requiring selective or comprehensive neck dissection.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

  • A painless or painful lump or swelling in the neck, jaw, or cheek
  • Non-healing ulcer or sore in the mouth lasting more than 3 weeks
  • Persistent hoarseness or change in voice
  • Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat
  • Blood in saliva or phlegm
  • Numbness or pain in the face, jaw, or teeth
  • Unintended weight loss combined with any of the above
  • Earache with no identifiable ear disease
  • White or red patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia / erythroplakia)

Why Choose Dr. Vimmi Gautam?

Trusted by patients across Delhi NCR for advanced head & neck cancer surgery, organ preservation, and comprehensive cancer care.

Super-Specialty Training from AIIMS New Delhi

M.Ch. in Head & Neck Oncology from AIIMS New Delhi and MS in ENT & Head & Neck Surgery from PGIMER, Chandigarh, providing advanced expertise in oncology and reconstruction.

Function-Preserving Approach

Focused on complete cancer removal while preserving voice, swallowing, facial movement, and cosmetic appearance whenever safely possible.

Practising at Medanta Super Speciality Hospital, Noida

Access to advanced operation theatres, intensive care, imaging, nuclear medicine, and a comprehensive oncology team.

Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Decisions

Complex cases are reviewed by surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists for personalized treatment planning.

Complete Patient Journey

Comprehensive support from diagnosis and surgery to rehabilitation, follow-up care, and long-term cancer surveillance.

Expert cancer surgery combined with compassionate care, advanced technology, and a commitment to the best possible patient outcomes.

How the Treatment Process Works: Step by Step

Understanding what to expect helps patients and families approach treatment with confidence. Here is a step-by-step overview of the treatment journey.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Clinical Evaluation

A detailed history, physical examination of the head and neck, and review of any existing reports or imaging.

Step 2: Diagnostic Workup

Investigations including ultrasound, FNAC, CT or MRI scan, PET-CT for advanced cases, and blood tests.

Step 3: Staging & Tumour Board Discussion

Cancer staging is determined and the case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumour board for treatment planning.

Step 4: Pre-Surgical Preparation

Pre-operative assessment including anaesthesia fitness, dental review, nutritional optimisation, and counselling.

Step 5: Surgery

The planned surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia with nerve protection techniques where applicable.

Step 6: Post-Surgery Recovery & Pathology

Hospital recovery followed by final histopathology to guide any additional treatment decisions.

Step 7: Rehabilitation & Long-Term Follow-Up

Speech therapy, swallowing rehabilitation, dietary guidance, psychological support, and ongoing surveillance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

What is head and neck cancer surgery?

Head and neck cancer surgery is the surgical removal of malignant tumours in the oral cavity, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, thyroid, sinuses, and skull base. The aim is complete removal of the cancer while preserving critical functions like speech, swallowing, and facial movement.

Is head and neck cancer treatable or curable?

Yes. Head and neck cancer is treatable, and many patients achieve a complete cure, especially when detected at an early or loco-regional stage. Early specialist evaluation is one of the most important factors in improving outcomes.

What is a neck dissection and why is it needed?

A neck dissection is the surgical removal of lymph nodes from one or both sides of the neck. It is performed when head and neck cancer has spread or is at high risk of spreading to the cervical lymph nodes.

Can voice be preserved in throat or larynx cancer surgery?

In selected early-stage laryngeal cancers, voice-preserving surgery is possible. Advanced cancers requiring total laryngectomy may result in loss of natural voice, but rehabilitation with a voice prosthesis can restore communication.

What is a composite resection for oral cancer?

A composite resection is performed for advanced oral cancers involving the jawbone. It includes removal of the cancer, affected jawbone, and regional lymph nodes, followed by reconstruction when required.

How long is recovery after head and neck cancer surgery?

Recovery depends on the type and extent of surgery. Minor procedures may require only 1–2 days in hospital, while complex reconstructive surgeries may require 7–14 days. Most patients resume normal activities within 4–6 weeks.

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery FAQ

Dr. Vimmi Gautam

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