Specialized Care for Head & Neck Conditions

Our Head & Neck Surgery services provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of conditions affecting the head and neck region. From concerning lumps and swellings to complex disorders of the thyroid, salivary glands, and oral cavity, our fellowship-trained specialists offer advanced, compassionate care using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Our Head & Neck Services

Neck Mass & Swelling Evaluation

• Neck Swellings & Lymph Node Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of neck lumps, including ultrasound-guided assessment and biopsy when indicated
• Thyroid Nodule & Goiter Management: Expert assessment of thyroid-related neck masses, including thyroid ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, and multidisciplinary care
• Parathyroid Disorders: Diagnosis and management of hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid gland abnormalities

Oral Cavity & Upper Aerodigestive Tract Care

• Oral Cavity Ulcers & Lesions: Evaluation and treatment of persistent mouth sores, white/red patches, and suspicious oral lesions
• Pre-cancerous & Cancerous Lesions: Early detection and management of oral potentially malignant disorders and head & neck cancers
• Salivary Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland swellings, stones (sialolithiasis), infections, and tumors

Advanced Head & Neck Diagnostics

• In-Office Ultrasound: Real-time imaging of neck structures for accurate assessment
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: Minimally invasive sampling of neck masses for precise diagnosis
• Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy: Complete examination of the upper aerodigestive tract
• Imaging Coordination: Arrangement and interpretation of CT, MRI, and PET scans when needed

Why Choose Our Head & Neck Specialists?

Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

• In-office ultrasound with ultrasound-guided biopsies
• Narrow band imaging and other advanced endoscopic techniques
• Coordination with cutting-edge radiology and pathology services
• Access to molecular testing and tumor profiling

Specialized Surgical Expertise

• Fellowship-trained head & neck surgeons
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery with nerve monitoring
• Salivary gland surgery with facial nerve preservation
• Reconstruction options for complex defects

Multidisciplinary Approach

• Collaboration with endocrinologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists
• Tumor board review for cancer cases
• Integrated care with dentists, oral surgeons, and maxillofacial prosthodontists
• Supportive care including speech and swallowing rehabilitation

Conditions We Manage

Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders

• Thyroid nodules (benign and suspicious)
• Thyroid goiter (enlarged thyroid)
• Thyroiditis (inflammatory conditions)
• Thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic)
• Hyperparathyroidism (primary and secondary)
• Parathyroid adenomas and hyperplasia

Salivary Gland Conditions

• Sialadenitis (salivary gland infections)
• Salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
• Salivary duct obstruction and strictures
• Benign salivary tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's tumor)
• Malignant salivary gland cancers
• Autoimmune conditions (Sjögren's syndrome)

Oral Cavity & Mucosal Disorders

• Persistent mouth ulcers and canker sores
• Leukoplakia and erythroplakia (pre-cancerous changes)
• Oral lichen planus
• Oral candidiasis (thrush) and other infections
• Early-stage oral cancers
• HPV-related oropharyngeal conditions

Neck Masses of Unknown Origin

• Enlarged lymph nodes (reactive, infectious, malignant)
• Branchial cleft cysts
• Thyroglossal duct cysts
• Lipomas and other benign soft tissue tumors
• Vascular malformations
• Metastatic disease to neck nodes

Diagnostic Approach: Step-by-Step Evaluation

1. Comprehensive History & Examination

• Detailed discussion of symptoms, duration, and risk factors
• Complete head and neck physical examination
• Assessment of cranial nerve function

2. Office-Based Diagnostics

• Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
• In-office ultrasound of neck and thyroid
• Still and video documentation of findings

3. Targeted Investigation

• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated
• Blood tests for thyroid function, infection, or autoimmune markers
• Coordination of advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET) if needed

4. Multidisciplinary Review & Treatment Planning

• Case discussion at multidisciplinary tumor board for cancer cases
• Collaboration with relevant specialists
• Development of individualized treatment plan with patient involvement

Treatment Options

Minimally Invasive & Non-Surgical Approaches

• Ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for thyroid cysts
• Sialendoscopy for salivary stone removal
• Medical management for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for appropriate cancers

Advanced Surgical Techniques

• Thyroid Surgery: Hemithyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy, central/lateral neck dissection
• Parathyroid Surgery: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with intraoperative PTH monitoring
• Salivary Gland Surgery: Parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation, submandibular gland excision
• Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): For select oropharyngeal tumors
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: For early-stage oral cancers
• Microvascular Reconstruction: For complex defects after tumor removal

Comprehensive Cancer Care (when needed)

• Surgery with curative intent
• Coordination with radiation and medical oncology
• Speech, swallowing, and physical rehabilitation
• Long-term surveillance and survivorship care

The Patient Journey

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis

• Comprehensive evaluation of your concerns
• Clear explanation of findings and diagnostic plan
• Emotional support and time for questions
• Involvement in decision-making from the start

Personalized Treatment Phase

• Discussion of all appropriate treatment options
• Referral to supportive services (nutrition, social work, counseling)
• Care coordination with your primary care physician
• Preparation for procedures with detailed guidance

Recovery & Follow-Up Care

• Post-procedure monitoring and management
• Rehabilitation services as needed (speech, swallowing, physical therapy)
• Long-term surveillance for recurrence
• Management of treatment side effects and quality of life concerns

When to Seek Evaluation

Consult our head and neck specialists if you experience:

• A neck lump or swelling that persists for more than 2-3 weeks
• A rapidly growing neck mass
• A thyroid nodule or goiter causing symptoms (difficulty swallowing, breathing, voice changes)
• Persistent mouth ulcer or lesion lasting more than 2 weeks
• Unexplained pain in the mouth, throat, or neck
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent sore throat
• Unexplained voice changes or hoarseness
• Swelling or pain in the salivary gland area, especially with meals

Early evaluation of concerning symptoms can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.