Our head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat all types of cancers and benign tumors that originate from the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid, and skin. Our surgeons strive to provide the best care that is individualized to the patient, optimizing our patients’ quality of life.
The term head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the tissues and organs in the head and neck. This includes tumors found in the oral cavity (mouth), the oropharynx (which includes the base of the tongue and tonsils); nasopharynx (which includes the area behind the nose); the hypopharynx (lower part of the throat) and the larynx (voice box).
The thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands that makes hormones to regulate physiological functions in your body, like metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck, below the larynx (voice box) and wraps around the front half of the trachea (windpipe). It is shaped like a butterfly, just above the collarbones, having two halves (lobes) which are joined by a small tissue bar (isthmus). Parathyroid glands are four small glands of the endocrine system which regulate the calcium in our bodies. Parathyroid glands are located in the neck behind the thyroid where they continuously monitor and regulate blood calcium levels through the parathyroid hormone, PTH.
Skin cancers are the most common cancers in the United States and frequently arise in the head and neck region. Risk factors for skin cancer include sun exposure (UV light), tanning bed use, immunosuppressive medications (commonly used by transplant patients), and prior radiation exposure for treatment of other cancers.
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive surgery with the use of robotic technology to access areas in the head and neck that were not previously easily accessible. This includes the tonsils, base of tongue, and larynx (voice box). TORS is commonly used for cancers or tumors in these areas. Robotic surgery allows surgeons to have a high resolution, 3-D image with fine and precise movements to be able to treat patients more safely and effectively.
Salivary glands are part of normal anatomy of all humans. These glands produce and propagate saliva into the mouth region to aid with food breakdown, oral/dental health and swallowing function. These glands can also malfunction leading to poor saliva production but can also grow tumors. Most salivary gland tumors are benign, meaning non-cancerous. The majority of saliva gland tumors occur at the parotid gland followed by the submandibular gland, then minor salivary glands. About 80% of these tumors are benign, painless, and slow growing.
