Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a number of different malignant tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth

Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer begins in the flat, squamous cells that make up the thin layer of tissue on the surface of the structures in the head and neck. Directly beneath this lining, which is called the epithelium, some areas of the head and neck have a layer of moist tissue, called the mucosa. If a cancer is limited to the squamous layer of cells, it is called carcinoma in situ. If the cancer has grown beyond this cell layer and moved into the deeper tissue, then it is called invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

If a head and neck cancer starts in the salivary glands, the tumor will usually be classified as an adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, or mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Difficult cases of H & N diseases are consulted by our "MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM" which includes H & N and Fasciomaxillary Surgeons, Radiologist, Interventional Radiologist, Pathologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon, Nuclear Medicine Physician, Supportive Team and Molecular Genetics Team, that meet regularly.

Plastic Surgery reconstruction, including, flaps whether rotation or free vascular flap, are integral part of our center. 

 

 types of head and neck cancer

There are five main types of head and neck cancer, each named according to the part of the body where they develop. For more information about a specific type, click on one of the names below.

  • Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer. The larynx is commonly called the voice box. It is a tube-shaped organ in the neck that is important for breathing, talking, and swallowing. It is located at the top of the windpipe, or trachea. The hypopharynx is also called the gullet. It is the lower part of the throat that surrounds the larynx.

  • Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer. The nasal cavity is the space just behind the nose where air passes on its way to the throat. The paranasal sinuses are the air-filled areas that surround the nasal cavity.

  • Nasopharyngeal Cancer. The nasopharynx is the air passageway at the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

  • Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer. The oral cavity includes the mouth and tongue. The oropharynx includes the middle of the throat from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box.

  • Salivary Gland Cancer. The salivary gland is tissue that produces saliva, which is the fluid that is released into the mouth to keep it moist and that contains enzymes that begin breaking down food.

 

 Points of interest to Patients

  • Tongue cancer
  • Base of tongue
  • Parotid tumor
  • Leukoplakia
  • Buccal tumors
  • Chemoradiation
  • Center of Excellence
  • MDT
  • Molecular pathology
  • Genetic testing
  • Direct laryngoscopy
  • Neoadjuvant treatment
  • Salvage surgery
  • Neck dissections
  • Laser therapy
  • Speech therapy s
  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Pharyngeal wall cancer
  • Larynx
  • Piriform sinus
  • Pull up surgery
  • Free microvascular flap
  • Lip reconstruction
  • Maxillary tumors
  • Sinus tumors
  • Orbital tumors
  • Smoking and drinking
  • Screening
  • Adenoid cystic tumors
  • Minor salivary glands
  • Mucoepidermoid cancer
  • Thyroid and parathyroid surgery

 

Head & Neck Information booklets:

Head & Neck Booklet (Click here to download)

Goiter Information Booklet: (Click here to download)

Thyroid Nodules Information Booklet: (Click here to download)

Thyroid Cancer Information Booklet: (Click here to download)

Thyroid Surgery Information Booklet: (Click here to download)

Parathyroid Surgery Information Booklet: (Click here to download)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) (Click here to download)

Port Placement in Cancer Patients (Click here to download)

Nutrition in Cancer Patients

 

Pictures of recently performed surgeries

Please click on the text to view:

 

Team

Sadir Alrawi, Fatima Alzahra, Ali Aldameh