Throat Cancer & Laryngeal Cancer Treatment in Chennai

Yes, many throat cancers can be cured with voice preservation. Early laryngeal cancers are highly curable with laser surgery or radiation while keeping your natural voice. Dr. Vidhyadharan's expertise in TORS and laser surgery maximizes voice preservation. Even when larynx removal is necessary, voice restoration with prosthesis enables speech.

Survival depends on cancer type, stage, and treatment. Early glottic (vocal cord) cancer: 90%+ five-year survival. Early supraglottic cancer: 80%+ survival. Advanced throat cancer: 50-70% depending on specific factors. Dr. Vidhyadharan's advanced techniques and multidisciplinary approach optimize outcomes at every stage.

Not necessarily. Most throat cancer surgeries today avoid permanent tracheostomy. TORS and laser surgery rarely need any tracheostomy. Partial laryngectomy may need temporary tracheostomy. Only total laryngectomy (removal of voice box) requires permanent stoma, but this is for advanced cancers where it's necessary for cure.

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) uses the da Vinci robot to remove throat tumors through the mouth with no external incisions. Benefits include: no visible scars, faster recovery (hospital stay 3-4 days), better swallowing outcomes, reduced need for tracheostomy, and often avoids need for radiation. Dr. Vidhyadharan pioneered TORS applications in India.

Yes! Modern voice rehabilitation enables speaking after larynx removal. Dr. Vidhyadharan performs tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and places a voice prosthesis, allowing you to speak by redirecting air through the prosthesis. Most patients develop good, understandable speech. Alternative methods include electrolarynx and esophageal speech.

Smoking is the primary cause of laryngeal (voice box) cancer. Alcohol amplifies the risk. However, oropharyngeal cancers (tonsil, base of tongue) are increasingly caused by HPV infection, even in non-smokers. Dr. Vidhyadharan treats both smoking-related and HPV-related throat cancers with appropriate strategies for each.

Recovery varies by procedure. Laser surgery for early cancer: 1-2 weeks, often outpatient. TORS: 3-5 days hospital stay, 2-3 weeks recovery. Partial laryngectomy: 1-2 weeks hospital, 4-6 weeks recovery. Total laryngectomy: 2-3 weeks hospital, 2-3 months for full rehabilitation including voice training.

It depends on the pathology findings. Early cancers with clear margins often need surgery alone. Advanced cancers, close/positive margins, lymph node involvement, or high-risk features usually require post-operative radiation with or without chemotherapy. The tumor board recommends the optimal adjuvant treatment plan.

Yes, recurrent throat cancer can often be treated successfully. Options depend on previous treatment. After radiation: salvage surgery including laryngectomy. After surgery: re-resection if feasible, or radiation. Dr. Vidhyadharan has expertise in salvage surgery, including complex reconstruction for previously treated cases.

Cost varies based on cancer stage, type of surgery (TORS, laser, or open), reconstruction needs, and adjuvant treatment requirements. THANC Hospital offers comprehensive throat cancer care with transparent pricing. Insurance coverage is available for cancer treatment. Detailed estimates provided after staging workup.

Throat cancer (laryngeal, pharyngeal) arises from the lining of the voice box or throat and is primarily linked to smoking/alcohol/HPV. Thyroid cancer arises from the thyroid gland in the neck and has different causes and behavior. Dr. Vidhyadharan treats both types with specialized approaches for each.

Yes, throat cancer can spread to neck lymph nodes (most common) and rarely to lungs, liver, or bones. Early detection and treatment prevents spread. Neck dissection removes involved lymph nodes. Advanced imaging (PET-CT) helps detect spread. Dr. Vidhyadharan's comprehensive approach addresses both primary tumor and potential spread.