Surgery After Head and Neck Cancer

Surgery After Head and Neck Cancer
Are You A Good Candidate
Meeting With The Doctor
How The Procedure Is Performed
Questions You May Have

Surgery After Head and Neck Cancer
Malignant tumors of the head and neck may involve the face, scalp, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, throat, and glands of the face and neck. Surgery to remove the tumor can result in defects in the structure of the head and neck and can sometimes result in problems with chewing, swallowing, speaking, or breathing. Working in concert with your cancer specialist, the doctors at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery can surgically repair and restore both the appearance and function of the head and neck area affected by the cancer.

Are You A Good Candidate for Head and Neck Surgery?
There are many different surgical options for treating head and neck cancer. Working with your cancer specialist and the doctors at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery, you can determine the strategy and surgical approach that is appropriate for treating your cancer and restoring your appearance and any affected functions.

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Meeting With The Doctor
Prior to your head and neck cancer surgery, you will meet at length with the doctors and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery to thoroughly discuss the options that are available to you. You will discuss how effective each option is in restoring your appearance and restoring any specific functions you may have lost as a result of the surgery to remove your tumor. In addition, the doctor and staff will also:

· Explain which type of anesthesia will be used, where the surgery will be performed, and if a hospital stay is required

· Outline in detail how your head and neck cancer surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure

· Provide detailed cost, payment, and insurance information

· Answer all your questions

You will be asked to provide:
· Details about your medical history
· A list of all medications you currently take including over the counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
· Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol consumption.

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How The Procedure Is Performed
Most head and neck cancers (link to www.cancer.org) are removed surgically. If the cancer is small, the procedure can usually be performed at one of the region's accredited outpatient-based surgical facilities -- the Center for Ambulatory Surgery, Inc. (CASI) or the Washington Hospital Center. The surgery will most likely be performed using local anesthesia with sedation. You will be awake, but will be relaxed and will feel little or no discomfort.

If the cancer is large, it will be performed at a hospital where your cancer surgeons and the doctors from The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery operate and a hospital stay most likely will be required. The surgery will be performed using general anesthesia and its duration will depend on the size and location of the cancer. The details of your surgery will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with the doctor.

Small tumors can often be closed simply by sewing the edges of the incision together. However, larger defects may require that skin grafts taken from other parts of the body be used to repair the site of the tumor removal. Larger and deeper defects may require the transfer of muscle, bone, or skin flaps to close complex wounds such as those in the nasal and oral passages. Microsurgery may be used to reconnect tiny blood vessels to provide adequate circulation and ensure proper healing.

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Questions You May Have
· When is reconstructive head and neck cancer surgery performed?
In many cases, reconstructive surgery is performed at the time the cancer is removed. With large and complicated cancers (link to www.cancer.org), reconstructive surgery may be delayed until the pathologist can examine the tumor to make sure the cancer has been completely removed. With complex tumors of the oral and nasal cavities, a two-team approach is often used, with one team responsible for removing the tumor and the other team responsible for reconstruction. This approach often shortens the length of the surgery because the reconstruction team can harvest the necessary tissue from other parts of the body while the oncologic team is removing the tumor.

· Will my insurance coverage pay for my head and neck cancer surgery?
Head and neck cancer surgery is generally covered by insurance. The staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will work with you to obtain pre-approval from your insurance company.

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