Head and neck surgical oncology treats cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses, salivary glands and thyroid. Tobacco chewing and smoking are 
major causes of oral and throat cancers, and early lesions are often curable.

Assessment includes examination of the mouth and throat, sometimes with a flexible camera, imaging and biopsy. Head and neck cancer surgery in Mumbai at Apex aims to remove the cancer while preserving speech, swallowing and appearance as far as possible. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be added.

Rehabilitation is a central part of care. Speech and swallowing therapy, dental care and reconstructive surgery help patients regain function.

Head and neck surgical oncology services at Apex include:

• Oral Cancer Surgery: Removal of tumours of the tongue, cheek or jaw with a margin of healthy tissue, followed by reconstruction to restore chewing, speech and appearance.
• Neck Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in the neck when cancer has spread or is likely to spread, to improve control and provide accurate staging.
• Thyroid and Salivary Gland Surgery: Removal of part or all of the thyroid or a salivary gland, with attention to protecting the nerves for voice and facial movement.
• Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation: Therapy after laryngeal or oral surgery that helps patients speak, eat and drink as comfortably as possible.