Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

What are my surgical options for head and neck cancers?

Our surgeons have experience in the total range of surgical treatments. And our team is a leader in groundbreaking surgical techniques to treat head and neck cancers.

Some of these techniques include:

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy combines medical lasers with special light-activated medications. We use this to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. Henry Ford Hospital was one of the first in the country to use photodynamic therapy to treat certain cancers.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS)

Transoral robotic surgery, also known as TORS, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This technique allows surgeons to remove head and neck tumors with minimal scarring, less blood loss, and better outcomes. We are the first in Michigan to offer a less invasive robotic surgery system that gives surgeons the ability to treat head and neck cancers that were once considered inoperable.

Transoral laser surgery

In transoral laser surgery, our doctors use a narrow, intense laser beam to remove head and neck tumors. Compared with traditional surgery, laser surgery offers:

• Less bleeding, scarring, and swelling
• More precise tumor removal
• Reduced risk of infection
• Shorter healing times

We can perform transoral laser surgery without the need for open surgery. Our surgeons often can access the tumor through the mouth. For patients with cancer of the larynx (voice box), we can preserve the larynx more easily with this technique.

Reconstructive surgery

If you need surgery as part of your treatment plan, you may be worried about how it might affect your appearance or ability to swallow or talk. At Henry Ford, our team includes surgical sub-specialists, such as ear surgeons and neurosurgeons (brain and nerve specialists), who perform highly complex reconstructive surgeries to help you get back to your life.