About the Department
Head and neck cancers include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose and salivary glands. Risk of head and neck cancer can be increased by tobacco use, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) or a heavy alcohol use.
At Fortis, Bannerghatta, our department of Head and Neck Cancer uses the most advanced techniques in identifying and treating all types of head and neck cancers. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and diagnostic facilities equip us to treat complex cases of head and neck cancer and help deliver exceptional care for every stage of the disease. Our highly skilled experts work in collaboration with other specialties to develop an individualized plan.
This includes experts of the head and neck surgery, oral surgery, reconstructive surgery, pathology, rehabilitation, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and neurology. They are supported by a full array of diagnostic, medical and surgical methods, including traditional, endoscopic and robotic surgery.
At Fortis, our experts are committed to preserving the quality of life while maximizing efforts to defeat cancer. Our oncologists routinely discuss all facets of quality of life for head and neck cancer patients, including speech, swallowing and social functioning to improve their understanding of how cancer therapies are affecting patients’ daily living activities.
Giving you the best chance of a cure is our first goal. We live by our commitment to saving and enriching lives by advancing healthcare through our rigorous focus on clinical excellence and distinctive patient care.
Areas of Care
Our Department of Head and Neck Cancer provides state-of-the-art care to patients with all types of head and neck cancer. We have an unrivaled expertise in treating patients suffering from:
- Cancer of Unknown Primary Origin
- Laryngeal Cancer / Hypopharyngeal Cancer
- Nasal Cancer / Sinus Cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Salivary Gland Cancer
- Sarcoma of the Head and Neck
- Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
- Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
The ears, nose, and throat are the most common areas affected by head and neck cancers. Symptoms of this cancer may depend on where cancer develops and how it spreads. Common symptoms found in various head and neck cancer sites include a
- Lump or sore that does not heal
- Difficulty swallowing
- A change or hoarseness in the voice
Other symptoms, depending on the location of cancer, may include
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth; jaw
- Inflammation that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
- Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment
- Nosebleeds
- Frequent headaches
- Numbness or paralysis of the facial muscles
- Ear pain
- Trouble hearing
- Ringing in the ears
Having one or more of these symptoms, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. Make sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor if they happen to last more than 2 weeks.
Our Diagnostic Services
We offer the following diagnostic tests and procedures in clean, comfortable, private testing areas:
- Physical Examination & History
In this process, the doctor or the nurse takes a thorough medical history post which they will examine the head and neck area to find any specific abnormalities if any.
This is generally done by giving local or general anesthesia to the patient. In this test, a small, thin, flexible tube called endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth and the images can be seen on a video screen outside. This test is used to examine the less accessible or hard-to-see areas.
Imaging procedures such as a CT or computed tomographic scan (a special type of x-ray), an MRI or magnetic resonance image scan (which uses magnetic waves to produce pictures), or an ultrasound exam (which uses sounds waves to produce images) can be recommended by your doctor.
In this process, a small tissue of the suspected area is extracted using a thin needle and under anesthesia. It helps to detect the presence or extent of the disease.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests to arrive at a definitive diagnosis of the stage of cancer, or how far it has progressed.
Treatment Options
At Fortis, our team of head and neck cancer experts will closely evaluate your type of cancer and determine the best course of treatment which can be one or more of the following:
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Concurrent chemoradiation (Chemotherapy and Radiation together)
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Our Team that cares
We have distinguished interdisciplinary teams of specialists who are fully committed to working against head and neck cancer. They ensure to provide exceptional attention at every step of your treatment by providing warm and compassionate care in a family-centered environment. Our team of experts includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, speech-language pathologists, trained nurses and support staff.
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