Oral Cavity Cancer
Cancer affecting areas such as the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheek, floor of the mouth and palate.
Head & Neck Oncology
Head & Neck Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Specialised care for cancers affecting the mouth, throat, tongue, voice box and other structures of the head and neck.
Overview
What Is Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancers are cancers that develop in areas such as the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses and salivary glands. Many head and neck cancers begin in squamous cells lining the moist surfaces of these areas. The exact cancer type, location and extent of disease determine the appropriate diagnostic and treatment approach.
Head and neck cancer can affect important functions such as speaking, swallowing, breathing and eating. At SSO Hospitals, treatment is planned by specialists with focused expertise in head and neck oncology, with the aim of treating the cancer while considering function, appearance and quality of life. Depending on the cancer type and stage, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches.
- Abnormal Cell Changes: Cancer develops when abnormal cells begin growing and multiplying uncontrollably.
- Tumour Formation: Depending on where these cells originate, a tumour may develop in the mouth, tongue, throat, larynx or another head and neck structure.
- Local or Lymph Node Spread: Head and neck cancers may spread into nearby tissues or lymph nodes in the neck.
- Diagnosis: Persistent symptoms or an abnormal examination may lead to imaging, endoscopic assessment, and biopsy.
- Treatment Planning: The cancer type, location, stage, and other patient-specific factors are considered before treatment is recommended.
Symptoms
Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer develops. Possible signs include:
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Staging describes how far the cancer has developed and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant parts of the body. Doctors use information from examinations, imaging, biopsy and other investigations to determine the stage and guide treatment planning. Many head and neck cancers use a TNM-based staging system, although the details vary according to the site and type of cancer.
0Stage
Stage 0
Abnormal cells are present in the surface lining but have not invaded deeper tissues.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer is relatively small and remains localised, with no significant regional spread.
IIStage
Stage II
The tumour is larger or has other features that place it in a higher stage while remaining without distant spread.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer may be larger or may involve regional lymph nodes, depending on the specific cancer site and staging system.
IVStage
Stage IV
Head and neck cancer staging is site-specific. Your doctor will explain your individual stage based on the tumour location, size, lymph-node involvement, spread and other pathological or clinical findings.
Head and neck cancer is not a single disease. It can develop in different anatomical areas, and treatment varies according to the site and cancer type.
Oropharyngeal Cancer
Cancer affecting areas of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue.
Laryngeal Cancer
Cancer affecting the voice box and its surrounding structures.
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Cancer arising in the lower part of the throat near the entrance to the oesophagus.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Cancer developing in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Salivary Gland Cancer
A group of cancers that develop in the salivary glands.
Nasal Cavity & Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Cancers arising in the nasal cavity or the air-filled spaces around the nose.
There is no single test that diagnoses every cancer. Your doctor may begin with a medical history and physical examination before recommending further investigations. A biopsy is commonly required to confirm whether abnormal tissue contains cancer cells. Imaging and other tests help determine the location and extent of disease.
Clinical Examination
Examination of the mouth, throat, neck, tongue and other relevant areas to identify abnormalities.
Endoscopic Examination
A specialised scope may be used to examine areas that cannot be adequately visualised during a routine examination.
Biopsy
A sample of abnormal tissue may be removed and examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cancer type.
Imaging
CT, MRI, PET-CT or other imaging studies may be recommended to understand the size, location and spread of the cancer.
Additional Testing
Depending on the cancer, pathology or biomarker testing may provide additional information relevant to treatment planning.
The tests required depend on the suspected cancer and the individual patient's symptoms and clinical findings. Your specialist will recommend investigations based on your specific situation.
Risk & treatment
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Tobacco Use: Smoking and smokeless tobacco are important risk factors for several head and neck cancers.
Alcohol Use: Heavy alcohol consumption increases risk
particularly when combined with tobacco use.
HPV Infection
Certain high-risk HPV infections are associated with some oropharyngeal cancers.
Previous Exposure / Medical Factors
Risk varies by cancer site and individual circumstances.
Age and Other Factors
Risk generally increases with age, although head and neck cancer can occur in younger people as well.
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on the location and type of cancer, its stage, the involvement of nearby structures or lymph nodes and the patient's overall health. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination.
Surgery
Lymph Node Surgery
Reconstructive Surgery
Organ-Preserving Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy
Surgery may be recommended when the cancer can be removed safely. In selected patients, reconstructive or organ-preserving approaches may be considered to help maintain functions such as swallowing, speech or appearance. The appropriate treatment plan is determined after detailed evaluation.
Why SSO?
Specialised Head & Neck Cancer Care at SSO Hospitals
- Focused Surgical Expertise: Our head and neck oncology specialists focus on cancers involving the mouth, throat, larynx, tongue and related structures.
- Function-Conscious Treatment Planning: Treatment planning considers not only cancer removal but also important functions such as speech, swallowing and breathing where clinically appropriate.
- Advanced Surgical Approaches: Depending on the diagnosis, appropriate patients may be considered for minimally invasive, organ-preserving, reconstructive or other specialised surgical techniques.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Complex cases may require collaboration between surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology, speech and swallowing specialists and other healthcare professionals.
Our specialists
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
Early symptoms can include a persistent mouth or throat sore, neck lump, difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, voice changes or hoarseness, unexplained bleeding, or persistent changes inside the mouth. These symptoms can have many causes, so persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, endoscopic assessment, imaging and a biopsy. A biopsy is commonly used to confirm whether abnormal tissue contains cancer cells.
In selected cases, treatment can be planned with preservation of important functions in mind. The approach depends on the tumour's location, size, extent and the structures involved. Your specialist can explain what may be possible in your particular case.
You should consider specialist evaluation if you have a persistent mouth or throat sore, neck lump, unexplained voice change, difficulty swallowing, or another head and neck symptom that does not improve. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and, when necessary, begin appropriate treatment sooner.
There is no single cause. Tobacco and alcohol use are important risk factors for several head and neck cancers, while certain high-risk HPV infections are associated with some oropharyngeal cancers. Risk varies by the specific cancer site.
Depending on the cancer type and stage, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Some head and neck cancers can be treated successfully, particularly when detected and treated appropriately. The outlook depends on the cancer type, stage, location, spread, tumour characteristics and response to treatment. Your treating specialist can discuss your individual prognosis after evaluating your reports.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
