How effective is tumour removal surgery for head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer can involve the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, salivary glands or nearby tissues. The operation is planned around the exact site and extent of disease, with attention to breathing, swallowing, speech, appearance and neck lymph nodes. The pathology report shows whether the tumour reaches the edge of the removed tissue and whether lymph nodes contain cancer cells.

Surgery may be the main treatment, or it may be combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or another medicine. Reconstruction can restore structure and help function after removal. The team discusses likely benefits and possible changes to daily activities before choosing an approach.

Ask how the operation may affect eating, speaking, breathing and shoulder movement, and whether a speech therapist, dietitian or reconstructive surgeon will be involved. Arrange dental review when treatment includes the mouth or jaw. Follow instructions about smoking, medicines, nutrition and exercises, because these can affect healing and rehabilitation.

Contact the team for fever, worsening swelling, foul drainage, increasing pain, difficulty swallowing fluids or a change in the wound. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness or inability to swallow saliva.

Where exactly is the cancer and what structures are involved? Will lymph nodes be removed? How could treatment affect speech, swallowing or breathing? Might radiotherapy or medicine follow surgery, and how will recovery be supported?