Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. Several advanced surgical options are available for treating neck and head cancers.
The surgeon recommends a tracheostomy in patients with underlying conditions that narrow or block the airways, such as throat cancer or vocal cord paralysis, neurological problems that cause difficulty in expelling cough from the throat, as breathing assistance during major neck and head surgery, and severe head trauma that interferes with breathing.
The swelling starts to subside within 4 to 5 days after the surgery. The patients may also expect reduced sensation in the ear and neck, which may completely restore within a few months after the surgery. The complete recovery may take several weeks.