Head and neck surgery at Derby Hospital
- Overview
Understand what head and neck surgery treats, the different surgical techniques used, what happens before and during surgery, and recovery afterwards.
Some of the most common types of head and neck surgery include:
- Thyroidectomy: The surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. This is performed to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goitre).
- Parotidectomy: An operation to remove all or part of the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands, located in front of the ear. This is most commonly done to remove a lump or tumour, the majority of which are non-cancerous.
- Neck dissection: A procedure to remove the lymph nodes from one or both sides of the neck. It is almost always performed as part of a cancer operation to remove lymph nodes that either contain, or are at high risk of containing, cancer cells that have spread.
- Laryngectomy: The removal of the larynx, or voice box. This is a major operation performed to treat advanced laryngeal cancer or severe trauma to the throat.
- Glossectomy: The surgical removal of all or part of the tongue, which is a primary treatment for tongue cancer. The extent of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour.
FAQs
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Will I be awake during head and neck surgery?
No. You'll be under general anaesthetic and asleep throughout the operation.
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Will surgery affect my speech or swallowing?
It's possible, depending on where the surgery takes place. Any changes might be temporary or lasting, and a speech and language therapist can help you adjust if needed.
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What does reconstructive surgery involve after a tumour is removed?
This uses tissue, and sometimes bone, taken from elsewhere on your body to rebuild the affected area, aiming to restore both how it looks and how it functions.
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Do all head and neck conditions need surgery?
No. Some non-cancerous issues, certain thyroid nodules among them, don't always call for an operation, and this comes down to your particular symptoms and diagnosis.
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How long will I stay in hospital?
This differs enormously by case. Some procedures need no overnight stay at all, while more extensive surgery involving reconstruction can mean several weeks in hospital.
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What causes head and neck cancer?
Smoking, drinking, and infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) are among the factors known to contribute.
Head and neck surgery consultants at Derby Hospital
Rykneld Road, Derby, DE23 4SN
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