Tumors, which are growths or swellings, can be benign or cancerous. Benign growths are excessive cell accumulations that do not spread or invade adjacent structures. However, if left untreated, they can grow and compress nearby structures, such as nerves or the airway, impairing functions like swallowing or speaking. In contrast, cancerous growths have the potential to spread to other parts of the body and invade or destroy adjacent structures. Untreated cancerous growths may lead to death.
Cancers can arise from ‘solid state’ cells, known as solid cancers (e.g., carcinoma or sarcoma), or from cells in a liquid medium, like blood cells, which are termed ‘liquid (haematological) cancers’ or blood cancers. In the head and neck region, as in other body parts, tumor growth can affect any tissue. For instance, cancers originating from skin or the lining of the mouth or throat are called carcinomas, while those from connective tissue cells are sarcomas, and those from blood cells are lymphomas or leukemias.
Head and neck cancers often present as persistent (lasting over three weeks) non-healing painless ulcers, lumps, or patches. Symptoms may include a ‘scratchy’ feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat with or without earache. Serious ulcers, lumps, and patches are often painless, so it’s important not to dismiss them and seek immediate referral from your GP.
The core principle of treating tumors, including those in the head and neck, is a multidisciplinary approach. This involves a team of specialists (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses, dieticians, speech and swallow specialists) discussing each case to recommend the best, evidence-based management plan.
The primary treatment for solid cancers is often surgery, while haematological cancers generally receive non-surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatments can be systemic (like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, aiming to affect the entire body) or localized (such as radiotherapy targeting a specific area).
As a surgeon, I offer surgical treatment for cancer when appropriate. I am part of the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team at the private Mercy Hospital, working with a wide range of colleagues, including surgeons from other disciplines, dieticians, speech and swallow specialists, medical and radiation oncologists, and head and neck anesthetists. I also collaborate with oral and facial rehabilitation specialists. Our goal is to provide patients with the best possible treatment that is evidence-based and aligns with international standards.
I perform tumor ablative surgery in the following regions:
– The mouth (including the tongue, lips, cheeks, jawbones, and palate)
– The facial skin
– The jawbones
– Salivary glands
– The tonsils
– The thyroid gland
Private:
Auckland Head & Neck Specialists, MercyAscot,
100 Mountain Road Epsom.
E-mail: info@ahns.co.nz
Greville Dental (Visiting Surgeon), 18 Hauraki Crescent, Pinehill. E-mail: info@ofhnsurgery.co.nz
