Head and Neck Cancer Surgical Options

People with head, neck, or throat cancer are in good hands at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Our surgeons are experts in oncologic resections using cutting edge techniques, such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, to remove cancerous and noncancerous head and neck tumors.

Surgical treatment for head and neck cancer often goes hand in hand with medical oncology or radiation therapy for the most success.

The goal of head and neck cancer surgery is to remove a tumor from the head and neck region.

You and your surgeon will discuss your options and the best approach for your type of cancer.

When Do Doctors Use Surgery to Treat Head and Neck Cancer?

Surgery is often the most common treatment for people with head and neck cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

For some people, surgery alone may be the best treatment option.

For others, doctors may pair surgery with:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

This will depend on the severity of the head and neck cancer.

Before surgery, radiation therapy combined with chemo can shrink larger tumors.

Types of Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Traditional head and neck cancer surgery can leave people with:

• Visible scars.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• A lengthy recovery.

Today, surgeons can remove many head and neck tumors using minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.

The common types of surgery for head and neck cancer are:

• Minimally invasive – A type of surgery that uses small incisions with minimum damage to the surrounding area. This type of surgery is helpful to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx.
• Robotic – A type of surgery that uses a 3D image processor and hand-like instruments. This type of surgery is beneficial to hard-to-reach areas of the throat and mouth.

Compared to other approaches, minimally invasive and robotic head and neck surgery:

• Allows for smaller cuts.
• Reduces post-op pain.
• Shortens the length of your hospital stay.
• Enables a quicker return to daily activities.

Minimally invasive surgery

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center's surgical oncologists are highly trained in many advanced technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Minimally invasive surgery uses small “keyhole” cuts to remove your tumor. This allows for minimum damage to the surrounding tissues.

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery can help the surgeon achieve an even greater degree of precision with little scarring and disruption to how you:

• Breathe
• Swallow
• Speak

The robotic surgery system at UPMC uses a 3D image processor with interactive mechanical arms.

The joints on the arms follow the motions of the surgeon's hands. A camera arm allows the surgeon to see a detailed view of the procedure.

How to Prepare for your Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

It's important to be prepared for head and neck cancer surgery.

What to avoid

Things you should avoid prior to surgery:

• Stop smoking.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery.
• Avoid consuming alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
• If you are taking any medication daily, check with your PCP to see when you should stop taking it.

What to bring

Dress comfortably, bring a small overnight bag. Bring glasses case (if applicable), list of medications, insurance card & driver’s license. Bring a driver.

Leave home any valuables such as jewelry, credit cards, etc.

Length of procedure and hospital stay

You will arrive 2 hours prior to surgery. The surgery itself should take few hours. Plan to be at the hospital for the day.

Recovery

The details of your surgery & recovery will be discussed with you by your surgeon. In general; you can expect to spend a couple of day’s in the hospital depending on the type of operation that you will be having. You may also need to spend some time in the ICU before completing your recovery in the hospital.

Contact Us About Head and Neck Cancer

To learn more about Head and Neck Cancer or to make an appointment, you can:

• Call 412-647-2811. 
• Contact a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center near you.