Head And Neck Pathology Surgery
Your face, neck, and mouth contain many different structures, which can be the site of pathological processes and cancerous growths. Often, the warning signs seem minor and easy to ignore, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, and early intervention is the best way to protect your health. If you notice any suspicious lumps or sores, have the Harvard-trained surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada perform an exam. The practice’s team is very experienced in head and neck pathology surgery. Schedule an appointment at the Summerlin or East Side Las Vegas office today.
Head and Neck Pathology Surgery Q&A
What are the warning signs of head and neck pathology?
Head and neck pathology, including cancer, can affect many different structures, including your larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Depending on the area affected and the specific condition, there could be a range of warning signs. These may include:
White or red patches in your mouth
Swelling in your jaw
Unusual pain or bleeding in your mouth
Sore throat that doesn’t go away
Sores or lumps that don’t improve
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, talking, or breathing
Severely blocked sinuses
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any concerning growths, sores, or other changes, schedule an appointment at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada for an evaluation from an experienced doctor.
How do I screen myself for head and neck pathology?
Not all the warning signs of head and neck pathology cause pain or are obvious, including abnormal growths and tumors. To catch any potential problems before they become serious, you should perform a self-examination once a month. A self-examination involves looking for changes in color, texture, lumps, and lesions.
To perform a self-examination, you should stand in front of a mirror with a flashlight. Look and feel inside your lips, gums, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, and pull out your tongue to examine it. After you examine the inside of your mouth, feel both sides your neck, including underneath your jaw, to look for lumps and swollen lymph nodes.
If you discover any potential signs of cancer, your doctor may perform a physical exam, diagnostic tests, and a tissue biopsy. Though a diagnosis of head and neck cancer is frightening, it’s usually curable when caught early.
When would I need head and neck pathology surgery?
Treatment for head and neck pathology varies depending on the location and the stage of the condition. Your options may include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. In some cases, you may undergo head and neck pathology surgery to remove a tumor, then receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy afterward.
The team at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada is experienced in performing head and neck pathology surgery on tumors, including laser surgery and excision (cutting out). They use techniques that preserve as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. If it’s necessary to remove tissue, the surgeons are also experts in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and can restore the appearance and function of the area after treating your cancer.
To schedule an appointment at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada for head and neck pathology surgery, call or use the online booking tool.