Head and neck cancers questions and answers

Assuming the person asking has early stage (Tumor stage II) oral tongue cancers, here would be my responses:

What types of head and neck cancers do you treat?

Head and neck surgeons specializing in cancer typically treat malignancies in areas such as the oral cavity, throat, salivary glands, thyroid, and sinuses. For a tumor stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral oral tongue, surgery is often the primary treatment. This type of cancer is common in the oral cavity, and the focus is on removing the tumor while preserving as much function as possible.

How will I know if surgery is the best option for my head and neck cancer?

Surgery is considered the standard treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral oral tongue, especially when the tumor is resectable. Your surgeon will assess the tumor’s size, depth, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other structures. If the cancer is localized, surgery can often provide the best chance for cure, potentially followed by radiation or chemotherapy if needed.

What are the risks and benefits of surgery for head and neck cancer?

The main benefit of surgery is the complete removal of the cancer, which is critical for improving survival rates. Risks may include bleeding, infection, and challenges with eating, speaking, or swallowing due to the tongue's role in these functions. Your surgeon will work to minimize these risks and discuss potential rehabilitation options post-surgery.

Will I need reconstructive surgery after my head and neck cancer operation?

For a tumor stage II cancer on the lateral oral tongue, reconstructive surgery may be required to restore the tongue's shape and function. This might involve grafting tissue from another part of your body. Reconstruction aims to ensure you can eat, speak, and maintain a good quality of life after surgery.

How will the surgery affect my ability to eat, speak, or breathe?

Surgery on the tongue can temporarily or permanently impact speech and swallowing. Your surgeon will aim to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Post-surgery, you may need speech and swallowing therapy to regain these functions. Breathing is rarely affected unless the surgery involves extensive tissue removal near the airway.

What kind of follow-up care will I need after head and neck cancer surgery?

Follow-up care includes regular visits to monitor for recurrence, assess healing, and manage side effects. You may also need imaging studies, nutritional support, and therapy for speech or swallowing. Radiation or chemotherapy might be recommended depending on the cancer's stage and the presence of any high-risk features.

Will the surgery leave visible scars?

For tumor stage II cancers of the tongue, it is typical that lymph nodes in the neck need to be removed as well. As such, you will likely have a visible scar along the neck. Your surgeon will use techniques to minimize scarring while ensuring effective cancer removal.

How should I prepare for head and neck cancer surgery?

Preparation involves undergoing imaging tests (like CT or MRI), bloodwork, and possibly dental evaluations. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding certain medications before surgery. Nutritional assessments and consultations with speech and swallowing therapists may also be part of your preparation.

How long will the surgery take, and what is the expected hospital stay?

Surgery for a tumor stage II lateral oral tongue cancer may take 3-6 hours, depending on the need for reconstruction and lymph node dissection. Most patients stay in the hospital for 3-5 days to monitor healing and manage pain. The length of stay depends on the complexity of the procedure and any immediate post-operative issues.

What are the success rates for this type of head and neck cancer surgery?

Success rates depend on the tumor's stage, size, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes. For localized squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue, surgery often results in high survival rates, especially if followed by appropriate adjuvant therapies. Early-stage cancers have a 5-year survival rate exceeding 75%, while advanced cases require more aggressive treatment and monitoring.