Head & Neck Surgery
Head and neck surgery involves the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the structures of the head and neck, including the skull, face, mouth, throat, salivary glands and neck. This surgical field addresses a wide range of conditions, ranging from benign tumours to complex reconstructive procedures.
Common head and neck surgery conditions, causes, symptoms and treatment options are outlined below.
- Causes: Thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), thyroid cancer.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weight changes, palpitations, muscle weakness, mood changes, voice changes, neck swelling.
- Treatment options: Medications, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid).
- Causes: Salivary gland stones, infections, tumours, Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Symptoms: Swelling of salivary glands, pain, dry mouth, difficulty eating, facial pain.
- Treatment options: Salivary gland massage, warm compresses, antibiotics, surgical removal of stones or tumours.
- Causes: Oral cancer, tonsillitis, throat infections, voice disorders, dysphagia.
- Symptoms: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, mouth ulcers, persistent cough.
- Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, voice therapy, tonsillectomy.
- Causes: Motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, facial fractures.
- Symptoms: Facial pain, swelling, bruising, facial deformities.
- Treatment options: Reduction of fractures, facial reconstruction surgery, soft tissue repair.
- Causes: Tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV), genetic factors.
- Symptoms: Lump or sore that doesn’t heal, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, weight loss.
- Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are various other conditions and treatment options within the field of head and neck surgery. Consultation with a qualified head and neck surgeon is necessary for proper diagnosis, management and treatment of specific conditions.
For further information, please visit: headandneckcancer.org.au
Appointments & Enquiries
Dr Takako Eva Yabe is a Specialist Head & Neck Surgeon serving the Illawarra region.
She has undertaken sub-specialised training in reconstructive microsurgery at the prestigious St George’s Hospital in London, UK. Dr Yabe is an integral member of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Head & Neck multidisciplinary cancer team focussed on providing patients and their families the best care. She operates in Wollongong in both private and public hospitals. If you have a head or neck condition that you are concerned about, please get in touch and make a booking.
