Head & Neck Oncology

Below are the Key Services:

• Cancer Resection Surgery: Surgical removal of malignant lesions (cancers) while preserving surrounding healthy tissues.

• Reconstructive Surgery: Restoring facial structure and function after cancer excision and correcting the surgical defects.

• Robotic / Endoscopic Head & Neck Oncosurgery: A minimally invasive alternative to routine open approaches to cancer resection surgery using Robotic system or endoscopes.

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and prevent recurrence.

• Chemotherapy: Drug-based treatment for aggressive or advanced-stage cancers.

• Targeted Therapy: Precision treatment targeting specific cancer cell proteins.

• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer effectively.

• Speech & Swallowing Therapy: Rehabilitation for post-treatment speech and swallowing difficulties.

• Nutritional Support: Dietary guidance to maintain strength during and after treatment.

• Palliative Care: Managing symptoms and improving comfort in advanced cancer stages.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. It is a key treatment modality for cancers, including oral, laryngeal and nasopharyngeal cancers. Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their ability to grow and multiply. It can be used as a standalone treatment, combined with chemotherapy, or as an adjuvant therapy after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells. Depending on the cancer type and stage, radiation therapy may be curative or palliative to relieve symptoms like pain and bleeding.

Different radiation techniques ensure the precise targeting of tumours while minimising side effects. Long-term follow-ups are essential to monitor treatment response and detect any recurrence. At Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, patients receive cutting-edge radiation therapy with precision techniques to ensure optimal cancer control and improved quality of life.

Below are the key services offered under Radiation Oncology:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): High-energy X-rays targeting cancer cells with precision.

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Advanced radiation delivery with minimised side effects, reducing damage to nearby critical structures like the spinal cord, salivary glands, and vocal cords. 

• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Using real-time imaging to ensure radiation is administered precisely. 

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): High-dose radiation for localised or recurrent tumours.

• Brachytherapy: Internal radiation therapy for site-specific cancer treatment.

• Adjuvant Radiation Therapy: Post-surgical radiation to eliminate residual cancer cells.

• Palliative Radiation Therapy: Symptom relief for advanced or inoperable cancers.

• Post-Treatment Rehabilitation: Speech and swallowing therapy for functional recovery and supportive care to reduce side effects.

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology focuses on diagnosing, treating and managing cancers using non-surgical methods such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. Cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth, spreading to nearby tissues and distant organs. Common head and neck cancers include oral, oropharyngeal,  laryngeal, thyroid, and salivary gland malignancies. Symptoms may include persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, unexplained weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes. Early detection and a multidisciplinary treatment approach are crucial in improving survival rates and quality of life.

Below are the key services offered under Medical Oncology:

• Chemotherapy: Drug-based treatment targeting rapidly growing cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Precision medicine blocks specific cancer growth mechanisms.

• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight and eliminate cancer cells, particularly effective in advanced-stage cancers.

• Hormonal Therapy: Used in hormone-sensitive malignancies like thyroid cancers to regulate tumour progression.  

• Combination Therapy: Using multiple treatment modalities for improved effectiveness.

• Palliative Oncology Care: Managing symptoms through pain management and enhancing quality of life in advanced cancer stages.

• Oncological Rehabilitation: Supportive care, including speech therapy and nutritional counselling to help patients cope with treatment-related side effects.

• Long-term Cancer Surveillance: Regular monitoring to detect recurrences and manage complications.

For  expert treatment consult our team of head and neck specialists.