Surgical Removal of Head and Neck Masses

The Department of Otolaryngology evaluates and treats head and neck masses including those arising in the paransal sinuses, ear canal, and deep neck. Tumors located within the brain are removed by the Neurological Surgeons, or neurosurgeons. However, when skull base tumors arise in the area beneath the brain, the Otolaryngologist – Head and Neck Surgeons work in conjunction with the brain surgeons to remove them.

Treatments of head and neck masses depend on their causes. Benign cysts and masses are usually removed surgically. If the cause is undetermined (but is something other than an enlarged lymph node associated with infection), a mass could be either surgically removed or biopsied through a CT scan-guided needle procedure. With either technique, the tissue is tested to determine its origin. This may be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the mass. Cancerous tumors of the neck may require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery.

Of special interest is research in progress by department physicians in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery on minimally-invasive, stereotactic techniques for skull base surgery. This research aims to improve conventional skull base surgical procedures by simultaneously maximizing the removal of tumors and inflammatory lesions, and minimizing surgical risks and adverse effects. As is the case with minimally invasive surgeries throughout the body, advantages of the stereotactic technique include reduced risk of infection and stress on the immune system, less pain and scarring, and shortened recovery time. The first major publication on minimally invasive, stereotactic skull-base procedures is in preparation.

Read about Research on Head and Neck Oncology currently underway in our department.