Thyroid & Head & Neck Sugery

Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated. If someone notices a lump in the front of neck, he should immediately consult doctor for an early intervention.

Head and Neck Cancer

The symptoms of head and neck cancers may include a lump or aulcer that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor about any of these symptoms. Symptoms that may affect specific areas of the head and neck include the following:

Oral cavity - A white or red patch on the gums, the tongue, or the lining of the mouth; a swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.

Pharynx - Trouble breathing or speaking; pain when swallowing; pain in the neck or the throat that does not go away, and some times even pain in ear

Larynx - Pain when swallowing or ear pain, change in voice

Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity - Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear; chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics; bleeding through the nose; frequent headaches, swelling or other trouble with the eyes; pain in the upper teeth; or problems with dentures.

Salivary glands - Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone, numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face, or pain in the face, the chin, or the neck that does not go away.

Alcohol and tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco, sometimes called "chewing tobacco") are the two most important risk factors for head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the oral cavity.

The most important factor in cancer treatment is early detection and an early treatment. treatment plan for an individual patient depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person's age and general health. Treatment for head and neck cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.