Expert Head & Neck Cancer Treatment in Chennai

Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and location. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combinations. Early-stage cancers often require surgery alone or with radiation. Advanced cancers may need combined treatment. Dr. Vidhyadharan will discuss all options and recommend the best approach based on latest guidelines and your individual situation.

Most patients maintain or regain good speech and swallowing function, especially with robotic and reconstructive techniques. Temporary difficulties are common but improve with rehabilitation. Early-stage cancers usually have excellent functional outcomes. For advanced cancers requiring extensive surgery, reconstruction and therapy help maximize function. Dr. Vidhyadharan uses organ-preserving techniques whenever oncologically safe.

Recovery varies by surgery extent. Robotic surgery patients may be discharged in 2-3 days with faster return to normal diet. Complex surgeries with reconstruction require 7-10 days hospitalization. Most patients resume normal activities in 4-6 weeks. Complete healing and rehabilitation may take 3-6 months. Speech and swallowing therapy continues during this period.

TORS (Transoral Robotic Surgery) is a minimally invasive technique for throat and tongue base cancers. Benefits include no external scars, faster recovery, better function, and potentially avoiding radiation. Candidates are patients with early-stage oropharyngeal or tongue base cancers. Not suitable for very advanced tumors. Dr. Vidhyadharan will assess candidacy based on tumor characteristics and imaging.

Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) uses a CO2 laser and operating microscope to remove early voice box (laryngeal) cancers through the mouth. This organ-preserving technique avoids external incisions and often eliminates the need for radiation therapy. Patients typically retain excellent voice function and swallow normally. Best suited for early-stage (T1-T2) glottic and supraglottic cancers. Dr. Vidhyadharan combines TLM expertise with voice preservation focus.

Post-operative treatment depends on final pathology results. Factors like positive margins, lymph node involvement, perineural invasion, or vascular invasion may indicate need for adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy. Early-stage cancers with clear margins often require surgery alone. Decision is made by multidisciplinary team based on individual risk factors.

Success rates vary by cancer type and stage. Early-stage cancers (Stage I-II) have 80-90% 5-year survival rates. Advanced cancers (Stage III-IV) have 50-70% 5-year survival rates with combined treatment. Dr. Vidhyadharan's patients achieve outcomes comparable to international standards. Regular surveillance and compliance with treatment recommendations are crucial for success.

Modern techniques minimize impact on quality of life. Robotic and reconstructive surgeries preserve function better than traditional methods. Speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and nutritional support help maintain quality of life during and after treatment. Most patients return to work and normal activities. Dr. Vidhyadharan's approach prioritizes not just cancer cure but also functional outcomes.

Recurrent cancers are challenging but treatable. Options include salvage surgery, re-irradiation, chemotherapy, or clinical trials. Dr. Vidhyadharan has expertise in complex revision surgeries and managing recurrent disease. Early detection through regular surveillance is key. Treatment decisions are individualized based on recurrence location, previous treatments, and patient factors.

Main causes include tobacco use (smoking, chewing), alcohol consumption, HPV infection, betel nut chewing, and previous radiation exposure. Prevention involves avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, HPV vaccination, maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups. Early detection is crucial - seek evaluation for persistent symptoms lasting beyond 2-3 weeks.

Treatment costs vary significantly based on cancer stage, type of surgery required, need for reconstruction, radiation therapy, and individual patient factors. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan offer world-class head and neck cancer treatment with advanced techniques including robotic surgery at economical costs compared to other metro cities. Our team provides detailed cost estimates during consultation based on your specific treatment plan.

Microvascular reconstruction involves transferring tissue from another part of your body (commonly forearm, thigh, or fibula) with its blood supply to rebuild areas removed during cancer surgery. This advanced technique restores form and function after removal of large tumors affecting jaw, tongue, or throat. Dr. Vidhyadharan's expertise in microsurgery ensures optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Follow-up schedule typically includes visits every 1-3 months in the first year, every 2-4 months in the second year, every 3-6 months in years 3-5, and annually thereafter. Each visit includes clinical examination, flexible laryngoscopy, and periodic imaging (CT/MRI/PET-CT). Regular surveillance is essential for early detection of recurrence and management of treatment side effects.