Head & Neck Surgeons are medical professionals, who are from ENT background who further undergo dedicated training in the management of Head and Neck related problems or pathologies. These specialists are involved in the detailed history taking, evaluation, diagnosis, management, follow up and rehabilitation of the patients with problems of head and neck region. This specialized field of medicine encompasses a wide range of disorders including both cancerous and noncancerous pathologies ear, nose, throat and structures within the Head and Neck region. The spine and the brain related pathologies which are part of Head and Neck region are not treated by Head and Neck surgeons but managed by Neurosurgeons. Head and Neck region is structurally and functionally contributing to our daily functions like eating, drinking, speaking, breathing and being socially active. Any treatment (surgical or non-surgical), will affect these functions which will eventually impact quality of life (QOL) in these patients. These facts further emphasize the need to treat these conditions by a specialist – Head and Neck surgeon.
Common problems or pathologies treated by Head & Neck Surgeon:
When a patient with above problems visits a Head and Neck Surgeon, he or she would listen to them in detail. This will be followed by a through clinical examination of the Head and Neck region with bright light, palpation, and evaluation of neck. If required, endoscopic evaluation of nose and throat are done with advanced flexible laryngoscopes done through nose under local anesthesia in clinic. If any pathologies are detected Needle biopsy (FNAC) or open biopsies are done to diagnose the pathology. This would be followed by an appropriate imaging (USG Neck, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scans).
If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, then Head and Neck Surgeons involve a Multidisciplinary team of specialists (Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiologist, Pathologist….) and chart out a personalized treatment plan for each patient. It may include Surgery alone or Combination of Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy based on the stage and biology.
