Tumour surgery

Surgical tumour removal is one of several possible treatment options following the diagnosis of a malignant disease in the respiratory and swallowing tract. The duration of the operation and the intraoperative effort involved can vary greatly depending on the size of the tumour and the accompanying circumstances, such as tumour metastasis in adjacent lymph nodes. The tumour stage can be determined by means of a mirror examination under short anaesthesia with inspection of the entire mucous membrane of the respiratory and swallowing passages as well as suitable imaging procedures and an ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the neck. In many cases, such as smaller laryngeal tumours, the tumour can be removed through the mouth without any externally visible scars. The primary goal of head and neck tumour surgery is long-term healing through the complete removal of the tumour and any metastases and, if necessary, the restoration of swallowing and speech function.

A team of experienced tumour surgeons and anaesthetists is available for the complex procedures. As a head and neck tumour centre, we have a large number of tumour operations at our disposal and therefore offer the greatest possible intra- and post-operative safety for your recovery. In some cases, the use of a laser to remove tumours from the oral cavity or pharynx may be advantageous. Whether this is possible in your particular case will be explained to you in advance. Before the planned operation, the surgical procedure, the surgical technique, the aids used and the risks and side effects associated with the operation will be explained to you in a detailed consultation.

In some cases, where the removal of the tumour is expected to result in functional limitations in swallowing and speech, it will be necessary to restore the missing organ structures by removing tissue from the chest or forearm. This is a safe, established procedure in head and neck surgery, about which you will be advised in detail.

Tumour operations can temporarily lead to restricted swallowing and speech function. In addition to our team of doctors and nurses, our speech therapists and physiotherapists will be at your side after your operation to ensure that in most cases these are temporary side effects. Early mobilisation and manual lymphatic drainage can prevent painful, scar-related functional restrictions in the neck and swelling. After completing inpatient treatment, you will be given the opportunity to undergo several weeks of follow-up treatment in a clinic specialising in your illness. The follow-up treatment will be applied for and organised for you during your stay in the clinic.