The Advanced Head and Neck, Cranial/Orbital/Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Scripps Prebys Cancer Center offers comprehensive surgical treatment for head and neck cancers. Our team of fellowship-trained surgeons—Dr. Perry Mansfield, Dr. Kevin Brumund, and Dr. Ravi Garg—specializes in both complex open procedures and minimally invasive techniques to treat tumors of the oral cavity, throat, salivary glands, thyroid, and surrounding structures.
Understanding Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Head and neck cancer surgery involves the removal of malignant tumors from areas including the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid, and lymph nodes in the neck. The goals of surgery are to completely remove the cancer while preserving as much function and appearance as possible. Our surgeons have performed thousands of oncologic procedures and utilize the latest surgical innovations to achieve optimal outcomes.
Treatment approaches vary based on tumor location, size, and stage. Some patients benefit from minimally invasive techniques such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS), which allows tumor removal through the mouth without external incisions. Others may require more extensive procedures with reconstruction to restore function and appearance. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each case individually to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Our Comprehensive Approach
What sets our program apart is the integration of advanced surgical techniques with comprehensive reconstructive capabilities. Dr. Mansfield, as Program Director, brings three decades of experience in complex head and neck tumor management and has performed over 12,000 operations. Dr. Brumund specializes in transoral robotic surgery and major head and neck ablative cancer surgery. Dr. Garg's expertise in microvascular reconstruction ensures that patients requiring complex rebuilding after tumor removal receive world-class care.
We work closely with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists at Scripps Prebys Cancer Center to coordinate your complete cancer treatment. This multidisciplinary approach means your entire care team communicates regularly about your treatment plan, ensuring seamless coordination between surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy when needed.
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
For appropriately selected tumors, our surgeons utilize transoral robotic surgery (TORS), an innovative approach that accesses tumors through the mouth using robotic instruments and high-definition 3D visualization. This technique can treat cancers of the tonsils, base of tongue, and other throat areas without external incisions, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and better functional outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.
Dr. Brumund's expertise in TORS means patients benefit from this advanced technology when appropriate. The robotic system provides enhanced precision and access to difficult-to-reach areas while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Many patients undergoing TORS experience shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal swallowing and speaking.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer Surgery
Our team provides expert surgical treatment for thyroid and parathyroid cancers. These procedures require meticulous technique to remove the cancer while protecting critical structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels. Dr. Mansfield and Dr. Brumund both specialize in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, offering patients access to surgeons who perform these delicate procedures regularly.
Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
When cancer removal requires extensive tissue removal, reconstruction becomes essential to restore function and appearance. Dr. Garg specializes in head and neck microvascular reconstruction, using advanced techniques to rebuild structures using tissue from other parts of the body. This expertise in reconstruction means our program can offer surgical treatment for even the most complex cancers, knowing we have the capability to restore both function and form.
What to Expect
Your journey begins with comprehensive evaluation including imaging studies, possible biopsy, and consultation with our surgical team. We'll discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes in detail. Many patients meet with multiple specialists during the evaluation process to ensure we develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
Surgery timing depends on your specific situation. Some patients proceed directly to surgery, while others benefit from chemotherapy or radiation before or after the procedure. Hospital stays vary from outpatient procedures for small tumors to several days for more extensive operations with reconstruction.
Recovery timelines depend on the extent of surgery. Our team provides detailed instructions for post-operative care, including wound care, diet modifications, and activity restrictions. Regular follow-up appointments monitor healing and watch for any signs of cancer recurrence.
Insurance Coverage and Support
Our experienced team works with PPO medical insurance plans to secure authorization for necessary cancer surgery. We understand that navigating insurance during cancer treatment adds stress, so our administrative staff handles the authorization process and works directly with your insurance company to facilitate approval. We're committed to ensuring that insurance concerns don't delay your cancer treatment.
Why Choose Our Program
The combination of fellowship-trained surgeons, advanced technology including robotic surgery, comprehensive reconstruction capabilities, and integration within Scripps Prebys Cancer Center's multidisciplinary oncology program makes our team uniquely qualified to treat head and neck cancers. If you've been diagnosed with head and neck cancer or need a second opinion, contact us to schedule a consultation.