Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are not very common types of cancer. It accounts for about 3% of the malignancies in the United States. The most common type of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. However, there are other types of both malignant and benign head and neck tumors. Risks factors for malignancy include smoking, alcohol use, human papilloma virus (HPV) particularly oral cancers, and Epstein-Barr virus particularly for rare nasal cancers. Males are at greater risk than females. Smoking increases the risk for malignancy significantly. 

Symptoms may include persistent cough, changes in voice/ hoarseness, difficulties swallowing, weight loss, sore throats, and/or foreign body/lump sensation in throat.

We have particular interest and expertise in the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. Occasionally, diagnostic biopsies can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and other times biopsies may be done in the operating room. We utilize the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available anywhere in the nation, including regional lymph node localization techniques that allow us to tailor surgery to the specific needs of the individual patient. We perform major head and neck cancer surgery using a variety of single stage reconstruction techniques for the majority of our patients. This usually translates into faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays. Mandibular and tongue reconstruction are usually performed as single stage procedures utilizing pedicled or micro vascular free flaps. We also participate in ongoing NIH protocols as principle and as co-investigators for head and neck cancer studies.

A Conversation with Dr. Anit T. Patel
Over the past several years as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital- Plymouth has continued to expand the subspecialty of Otolaryngology, head and neck surgery is quickly becoming a center of excellence. Through use of innovative techniques, new procedures, and state-of-the-art instrumentation, otolaryngologists at Beth Israel Deaconess are bringing tertiary care excellence to a community setting.