Best Head Neck Oncology Specialists Mumbai, India

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Questions Should You Ask The Head Neck Oncology Specialist in Mumbai?

A frank discussion and asking the relevant questions from a head and neck oncology specialist will help you know more about your treatment and how to prepare for it. Some questions that you can ask include:

• What type of head and neck cancer am I suffering from?
• What is the treatment?
• What are the treatment’s side effects?
• How will my daily life be affected post-treatment?
• Do I need to undergo surgery, or will chemotherapy eliminate cancer?
• How long do I need to stay in the hospital?
• When will I recover?

2. Are Head and Neck Cancers Curable?

There is a high probability of curing or preventing a head or neck cancer if it is detected early. That is why it is necessary to contact the best head neck oncology specialist in Mumbai at Nanavati Max Hospital if you find any symptoms of the disease.

3. What is The Most Common Malignant Tumor of The Head and Neck?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common of the various types of tumors. This type of cancer occurs from the cells that line the mouth, nose and throat’s interiors.

4. What are Head and Neck Cancers?

Some types of head and neck cancers are mentioned below.

• Laryngeal cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Lip and oral cavity cancer
• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Squamous cell neck cancer

5. Where Do Head and Neck Cancers Metastasize?

Cancer starts in the squamous cells. This can be at any place in the body. The disease can then spread through the lymph system or the blood to other body parts. In people who have oral cancer, the lungs are a common area for metastases. The other parts are the liver and bones. Some common areas where head and neck cancers grow include the moist areas in the nose, mouth and throat.

6. What Type of Tumors are Found in The Neck?

These are some types of cancers that, besides the neck, can also affect the head.

• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Oral and oropharyngeal cancer
• Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
• Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

7. Are Head and Neck Cancers Rare?

According to estimates, more than 500,000 people were diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2020, and the death rate was above 270,000 people. However, the figure is much less than many other cancers and diseases.

8. Are Follow-Up Appointments After Completion of Treatment Necessary?

After the head and neck cancer treatment is over, the patient should regularly follow up with the doctor. This will enable the doctor to analyze the patient’s condition and recovery. It will also help them analyze symptoms that may indicate head and neck cancer recurrence.

9. Should I Seek A Second Opinion?

If you are unsure about the treatment or have doubts, it will be a good decision to get additional consultation or a second opinion. If the second opinion matches the opinion of the primary doctor, it will lay to rest your doubts. But, if the second doctor provides a better treatment plan, it will help you to effectively combat the disease and recover quickly. The best head neck oncology specialist in Mumbai at Nanavati Max Hospital will provide the right guidance and treatment.

10. Does Head and Neck Cancer Recur?

Yes, there are chances of head and neck cancer recurring. That is why it is necessary that the patient regularly meet their doctor after the treatment is complete and keep an eye out for any symptoms.

11. Does Head and Neck Cancer Impact Breathe and Swallowing?

People suffering from head and neck cancer find it difficult to breathe, swallow, chew, and move the jaw or tongue.

12. What Type of Screening Is Done For Head and Neck Cancer?

To determine symptoms of head and neck cancer, the doctor may conduct various exams and tests like:

• Analyzing the patient’s medical record and performing a physical exam.
• Conducting laboratory tests like blood, urine, and other tests.
• X-ray
• Biopsy
• CT scan
• MRI
• PET scan

13. What Head and Neck Cancers Have The Most Effective Prognosis?

According to studies, the prognosis is much more successful in patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal tumors than in those who have HPV-negative tumors.

14. What are The Survival Rates of Head and Neck Cancer?

The past few years have witnessed a steady increase in survival rates. However, the survival rate is still estimated to be 50 per cent. Nevertheless, detecting and diagnosing the disease in its early stages will increase the patient’s survival rates. If you find any symptoms of the disease, contact the best head neck oncology specialist in Mumbai at Nanavati Max Hospital.

15. Who is a head-neck oncology specialist?

A head & neck oncology specialist is a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating cancers of the head and neck region. This typically includes surgical oncologists, ENT oncologists, and multidisciplinary cancer experts who manage tumours affecting the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid, salivary glands, sinuses, and related structures.

16. What does a head-neck oncology specialist do?

A head & neck oncology specialist:

• Diagnoses head and neck cancers through imaging and biopsy
• Determines cancer stage and spread
• Performs tumour removal surgery when required
• Plans reconstruction to restore speech, swallowing, and appearance
• Coordinates chemotherapy and radiation therapy with oncology teams
• Monitors recovery and long-term follow-up

Their goal is to remove cancer effectively while preserving vital functions like breathing, speech, and swallowing.

17. What conditions/diseases are treated by a head-neck oncology specialist?

They treat a wide range of cancers and complex tumours, including:

• Oral cancer (tongue, gums, cheek)
• Throat and laryngeal (voice box) cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Salivary gland tumours
• Nasal cavity and sinus cancers
• Skull base tumours
• HPV-related head and neck cancers

Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment success and survival rates.

18. Why choose Nanavati Max Hospital for a head-neck oncology specialist?

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital offers comprehensive head and neck cancer care supported by:

• Experienced surgical oncologists and ENT specialists
• Advanced diagnostic imaging and pathology services
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgical options
• Dedicated oncology tumour boards for personalised treatment planning
• Integrated reconstruction and rehabilitation support

The hospital follows international cancer care protocols to ensure precise treatment and improved outcomes.

19. How do I prepare for my first appointment with a head-neck oncology specialist?

Before your consultation:

• Carry biopsy reports, imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), and blood tests
• List symptoms such as persistent ulcers, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or lumps
• Note tobacco, alcohol, or HPV exposure history
• Prepare questions regarding diagnosis and treatment options

This helps the specialist create an accurate and timely treatment plan.

20. What should I tell my head and neck oncology specialist before surgery?

Before surgery, inform your specialist about:

• Existing medical conditions (heart, lung, diabetes, thyroid disorders)
• Previous cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation)
• Current medications, especially blood thinners
• Allergies to medications or anaesthesia
• Smoking and alcohol habits

Full disclosure ensures safe surgical planning and smoother recovery.

21. When do I need to see a head-neck oncology specialist?

You should consult a specialist if you experience:

• A persistent mouth ulcer lasting more than two weeks
• A lump in the neck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic sore throat or ear pain

Early evaluation increases the chances of early-stage detection and successful treatment.