What is head & NECK surgery?

Head and neck surgery in Singapore involves a range of specialised surgical procedures that address disorders, diseases and cancers in the head and neck region, including the throat, thyroid, salivary glands and nearby structures. These surgeries aim to remove tumours, alleviate structural compression and manage other conditions affecting vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking.

Depending on the condition, head and neck surgery can be performed for both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions, often requiring precision to preserve important anatomical functions.

Main Types of Head & Neck Surgery in Singapore

Type of Surgery	What it Treats	Conditions Treated
Neck Dissection	Removal of lymph nodes to prevent or treat cancer spread.	Metastatic cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma.
Thyroidectomy	Removal of the thyroid gland partially or completely.	Thyroid cancer, goiters, hyperthyroidism.
Salivary Gland Surgery	Removal of tumours or obstructions in salivary glands.	Benign and malignant tumours (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma).
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery	Minimally invasive surgery for sinus problems.	Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, sinus tumours.
Laryngectomy	Removal of part or all of the larynx (voice box).	Laryngeal cancer.
Pharyngectomy	Removal of parts of the pharynx (throat).	Throat cancer (pharyngeal cancer).
Transoral Robotic Surgery	Minimally invasive surgery through the mouth using robotic systems.	Tumours in the oropharynx, larynx, base of the tongue.
Oropharyngeal Surgery	Surgery to remove cancerous growths from the oropharynx.	Oropharyngeal cancer.

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland, typically used to treat thyroid cancer, large goiters, or hyperthyroidism.

How is head & neck surgery performed?

Head and neck surgery involves a variety of techniques aimed at treating tumours, infections, or structural abnormalities in the head and neck region. The process begins with a thorough diagnosis, including imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, and often biopsies to determine if any growth is benign or malignant. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the surgical team creates a detailed plan tailored to the patient’s specific condition.

During the surgery, which is typically performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon may use minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic or robotic surgery, which allows for smaller incisions and quicker recovery. However, for larger or more complex tumours, open surgery with larger incisions may be necessary.

In some cases, reconstructive surgery follows to restore function or appearance, particularly after the removal of significant tissues. After the procedure, patients are closely monitored, and post-surgery rehabilitation may include speech or swallowing therapy, depending on the nature of the surgery. Regular follow-ups are essential, especially for cancer patients, to ensure proper healing and monitor for recurrence.

What are the benefits of a head & neck surgery?

Head and neck surgery provides numerous benefits for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, from benign lumps to complicated cancers. These surgeries not only remove problematic growths but also help preserve vital functions and improve quality of life. By using different types of surgical techniques, specific benefits can be achieved based on the patient's condition.

Effective tumour removal: procedures like Neck Dissection and Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) allow for precise removal of cancerous tumours, which helps minimise the risk of recurrence.
Symptom relief: surgeries like Thyroidectomy and Laryngectomy help alleviate symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing caused by structural compression or tumour growth.
Preservation of function: dissection under magnification techniques, helps preserve important functions like speech, swallowing, and facial nerve integrity by minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
Faster recovery and minimal scarring: minimally invasive approaches, such as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, result in quicker recovery times and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
Reduced cancer spread: surgeries like Neck Dissection prevent the spread of cancer to lymph nodes and surrounding tissues, which helps contain the disease early.
Restoration of appearance and function: procedures like Reconstructive Surgery following major tumour removal, such as Mandibulectomy, help restore both physical appearance and functionality, particularly after significant tissue removal.

By tailoring the surgery type to the patient’s specific condition, head and neck surgeries at NC Tan Surgery help provide relief from symptoms while aiming to restore function and prevent further complications.

What conditions can head & neck surgery treat?

Head and neck surgery is used to treat a wide range of conditions that affect the structures within the head and neck, ranging from benign growths to life-threatening cancers. Here are the main conditions that head and neck surgery can address:

Benign and malignant tumours: these include cancers of the thyroid, salivary glands, oral cavity, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). Tumour removal is often the primary treatment for cancers, especially in combination with radiation or chemotherapy.
Thyroid and parathyroid disorders: conditions like hyperthyroidism, goiters, and thyroid cancers can be treated with a thyroidectomy to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Salivary gland disorders: surgery may be necessary to remove benign or malignant tumours in the salivary glands or to treat chronic infections and stones that block these glands.
Obstructive conditions: head and neck surgery can relieve pressure caused by tumours or structural abnormalities that compress vital structures such as the airways or blood vessels, which helps alleviate symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery is used to treat chronic inflammation of the sinuses and remove nasal polyps that cause sinus blockages.
Vascular malformations: abnormal blood vessels in the head and neck area can cause significant bleeding, which can be managed or corrected surgically.
Reconstructive needs: after extensive tumour removal, reconstructive surgery is performed to restore both function and appearance, particularly in cases involving the jaw, throat, or facial tissues.

These surgeries are critical for treating conditions that impact essential functions like breathing, swallowing, and speaking, with the aim to remove disease while preserving as much functionality as possible.

A thyroidectomy can help treat thyroid cancer by surgically removing part or all of the thyroid gland, and preventing the spread of cancerous cells.

What results can I expect from a head & neck surgery in SIngapore?

When you come to NC Tan Surgery for head and neck surgery, you can expect a comprehensive diagnosis to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your condition. Our healthcare professionals begin with an in-depth diagnostic evaluation using advanced imaging technologies—such as CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies—to accurately diagnose the nature and extent of your condition. This thorough assessment allows us to understand whether you are dealing with a benign lump, a malignant tumour, an ulcer, bleeding issues, or compression of vital anatomical structures.

Based on the diagnostic findings, we will recommend the most appropriate surgical procedure according to your specific condition. Our surgeons are skilled in a variety of specialised techniques, from minimally invasive surgeries like endoscopic surgery and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to more extensive procedures such as neck dissection or thyroidectomy. The goal is to effectively treat the condition while preserving essential functions like speech, swallowing, and appearance whenever possible.

During the surgery, our surgical team employs professional techniques to ensure precision and minimise risks. If reconstructive surgery is necessary, we integrate it into your treatment plan to restore both function and aesthetics.

After the surgery, you will receive personalised aftercare instructions and support to facilitate a smooth recovery, including pain management, and wound care guidance. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress, address any concerns, and perform additional treatments if necessary.

How many sessions are generally required for head & neck surgery?

The number of sessions required for head and neck surgery typically depends on the complexity of the condition being treated. In most cases, head and neck surgery is performed in a single session. This includes surgeries like thyroidectomy, neck dissection, or transoral robotic surgery (TORS), which are usually completed in one operative procedure.

However, certain conditions, especially advanced cancers, may require multiple sessions. For example, if the surgery is followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, patients may need several sessions of these treatments after the initial surgery. In some cases where reconstructive surgery is needed, additional follow-up surgeries may be planned to fully restore function and appearance. After the primary surgery, post-operative follow-up sessions are required to monitor healing, assess results, and manage any complications. These follow-up visits ensure proper recovery and long-term success of the surgery.

If you are concerned about a head or neck condition, schedule an appointment at NC Tan Surgery for a thorough diagnosis and expert advice on the most appropriate surgical options to treat your condition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from head and neck surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Minimally invasive procedures may require only a few days to a week, while more extensive surgeries such as neck dissection or laryngectomy might take several weeks to months for a full recovery.

Will I have any difficulty speaking or swallowing after surgery?

In some cases, surgeries involving the throat, larynx, or tongue may temporarily affect your ability to speak or swallow. However, with minimally invasive techniques such as Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), these functions are often preserved, and patients can recover more quickly.

What are the potential risks or complications of head and neck surgery?

Risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or issues with breathing and swallowing. Your surgeon will discuss specific risks based on the surgery you are undergoing and provide ways to minimise these complications.

Will I need additional treatments after surgery?

Depending on the condition, additional treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies may be recommended after surgery, particularly for malignant tumours.

Can reconstructive surgery be done at the same time as tumour removal?

Yes, in many cases, reconstructive surgery is performed immediately following the removal of tumours, especially for larger or more complex cases. This helps restore both function and appearance.

Thyroid & Parathyroid

Head & Neck

Skin