Center Of Excellence

About Department

At Purbanchal Cancer Hospital (PCH), our treatment philosophy is based on multi-disciplinary team approach emphasizing on organ preservation and restoration of form and function by advanced reconstructive surgery, radiation treatment protocol and rehabilitative services. Our team consists of Head and Neck oncology, reconstructive surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, rehabilitation and pain and palliation services. All patients will be evaluated in a multidisciplinary tumor board to determine the most optimal treatment option.

The Head & Neck surgical oncology provides organ preservation surgery, minimally invasive endoscopic laser surgery.

The mission of Head and Neck oncology department is to provide a one-stop comprehensive care for patients with head and neck cancers. A multidisciplinary team of well renowned head and neck and reconstructive surgeons strive to provide treatment optimized for complete tumor ablation followed by restoration of form and function. The department works closely with departments of radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology and pain management to deliver State-of-the-Art treatment. Special emphasis is given to quality of life and functional rehabilitation of cancer patients.

The department also runs an active community outreach programme for early detection and prevention of cancer.

Services & Facilities

1. Surgical management of

• Oral cavity tumors
• Pharyngeal tumors
• Laryngeal tumors
• Salivary gland tumors
• Thyroid and Parathyroid tumors
• Nasal and Paranasal tumors
• Skull Base tumors
• Vascular malformation
• Skin cancers of head & Neck Region
• Head and Neck Reconstructive( Plastics) surgery

2. Early detection and screening for Head and Neck Cancer

3. Key Procedures/surgery

1. Head & Neck Cancer Ablative surgeries
2. Microvascular free flap reconstructive surgeries
3. Facial Plastic & Reconstruct Procedure
4. Airway Surgeries
5. Thyroid & Salivary gland surgeries
6. Nose, Sinus & Skull Base Surgeries
7. Orbital surgeries
8. Endoscopic LASER Surgeries
9. Laryngeal Surgeries

About Head and neck cancer

A group of cancers that begins in or around the throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, or the mouth is called head and neck cancer. This type of cancer is believed to start in the cells in the exteriors of these body parts. Head and neck cancers can further be categorized into five types; oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and salivary glands.

Diagnosis

A surgical oncologist may start the diagnosis of any head and neck cancer by evaluating the patient’s medical history and then conducting a physical examination and ordering other diagnostic tests.

For a physical examination, the doctor may visually inspect the oral and nasal cavities, throat, neck and tongue. Small mirrors and lights are used to check for the presence of any lumps in and around the lips, gums, cheeks and neck.

Endoscopic procedures may be followed to examine the areas inside the body with the help of a flexible tube called an endoscope.

The samples of blood, urine or cells from the nodes are sent to the laboratory for other tests.

For obtaining the images of the head and neck areas, X-rays, CT scan, PET scan and MRI can be used.

A biopsy is the only sure procedure in head and neck oncology to determine whether a person has cancer or not. Here, a small part of the tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Every cancer patient is different. Therefore, a special team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, onco-pathologists, radiation oncologists and imaging specialists evaluate the condition of the patient and chart out a customized treatment plan for them. Some of the modalities of head and neck cancer treatments available are mentioned below.

Surgery: In head and neck surgery, the cancer is removed along with some of the healthy tissues around it. Radiation treatment may be given after the surgery.

Radiation: Different types of radiation therapy may be suggested for the patients, such as 3DCRT, IMRT or IGRT.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is usually given along with radiation therapy. The anti-cancer drugs used can kill the fast-growing cells in the body.

Targeted therapy: Unlike chemotherapy, the drugs used in targeted therapy selectively kill cancer cells. However, its application in the treatment of head and neck cancer is limited.

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs are doctor-supervised programs for patients who underwent treatment for cancer. It helps them to get back to their daily activities quicker as well as improves their well-being.