Head & Neck Cancer Treatment – When to See a Specialist

Head and neck cancers often start quietly—with a small mouth ulcer, a stubborn sore throat, or a neck lump that “doesn’t feel serious yet.” For many people in Chennai, daily life is busy enough that these early signs are ignored or treated with home remedies for weeks or months. Yet, medical evidence is clear: when head and neck cancers are diagnosed early and treated by a specialist team, cure rates and quality of life are dramatically better.

This guide explains when you should see a head and neck oncology specialist like Dr. Vimalathithan in Chennai, what to expect from evaluation and treatment, and how early action can protect speech, swallowing, and appearance—core parts of who you are.

What is head & neck cancer?

“Head and neck cancer” is an umbrella term for cancers that begin in:

• Mouth and tongue

• Throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx)

• Nose and sinuses

• Salivary glands

• Tonsils and base of tongue

• Sometimes the skin or soft tissues of the face and neck

Most of these cancers start in the thin lining cells called squamous cells, which is why many doctors use the term head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Major risk factors include tobacco (smoked or chewed), alcohol, poor oral hygiene, certain viral infections such as HPV, and long‑term sun exposure for lip cancers. The good news is that these cancers are highly treatable if caught when still small and localised.

Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Head and neck cancer symptoms often overlap with common issues like infections, allergies, or acidity, which is why they are easy to brush off. But doctors worldwide agree that certain “red flag” symptoms demand prompt specialist evaluation—especially if they last more than 2–3 weeks.

Watch out for:

• Mouth changes

  • Ulcer or sore in the mouth or on the tongue that does not heal for more than 3 weeks.

  • Red or white patches in the mouth.

  • Bleeding from gums, tongue, or inner cheek without clear reason.

• Throat and voice symptoms

  • Persistent sore throat or a feeling of something stuck in the throat.

  • Change in voice or hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, especially in smokers.

  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing solids or liquids.

• Neck and ear signals

  • Any lump in the neck that lasts more than 2–3 weeks, even if it is painless.

  • Ear pain on one side without obvious ear infection.

• Nose and sinus signs

  • Blockage of one side of the nose, frequent nosebleeds, or swelling over the cheek/eyes.

• General changes

  • Unexplained weight loss, bad breath, or loosening of teeth/dentures.

If you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, do not wait for them to become severe. International guidelines advise referral to a head and neck specialist within two weeks when such red flags are present.

Why early diagnosis matters so much

In head and neck cancer, timing can be the difference between a small, easily curable lesion and an advanced tumour requiring complex surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Research shows:

• Survival and quality of life correlate strongly with tumour size and stage at diagnosis—smaller tumours mean higher cure rates and fewer long‑term complications.

• Early‑stage cancers can often be treated with single‑modality therapy, such as limited surgery or focused radiation alone, sparing the need for aggressive combined treatments.

• Late detection often means cancer has spread to lymph nodes or deep structures, demanding bigger operations and higher radiation doses, which can affect speech, swallowing, and appearance.

From a human perspective, catching cancer early often allows patients to continue working, caring for family, and living independently—with far less disruption to everyday life.

Why you need a head & neck oncology specialist

Head and neck anatomy is dense and delicate—tiny structures control speech, breathing, swallowing, facial expression, and appearance. Treating cancer in this region requires balancing two goals: remove or control the tumour completely, and preserve function and looks as much as possible.

A specialist like Dr. Vimalathithan offers:

• Focused expertise in the full range of head and neck cancers—from early tongue lesions to advanced laryngeal and skull‑base tumours.

• Multidisciplinary planning with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, and speech/swallow therapists to tailor treatment for each person.

• Advanced surgical skills, including organ‑preserving surgery, neck dissection, minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches, and microvascular reconstruction when needed.

• A strong emphasis on rehabilitation—speech therapy, swallowing exercises, dental care, and psychological support—to help patients return to normal life after treatment.

In short, a general ENT or surgeon can suspect the problem, but complex cancers are safest in the hands of a dedicated head and neck oncology specialist.

What to expect when you see Dr. Vimalathithan

Many people delay seeing a cancer specialist because they are afraid of the unknown. Knowing what will happen in the consultation can ease that fear.

1. Detailed history and examination

Dr. Vimalathithan will:

• Listen to your symptoms, duration, habits (tobacco, alcohol), prior treatments, and medical history.

• Examine your mouth, tongue, gums, throat, nose, and neck thoroughly.

• Use tools like a small mirror or flexible endoscope to look at the voice box and deeper throat with minimal discomfort

• 2. Diagnostic tests

If something suspicious is seen or felt, next steps may include:

• Imaging – Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET‑CT scan to map the exact size, depth, and spread of the tumour and lymph nodes. ​

• Biopsy – Removing a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area (or needle biopsy from a neck lump) to confirm the diagnosis under the microscope.

• Staging work‑up – Blood tests and sometimes further imaging to check overall fitness for treatment.

Having these tests done under the guidance of a specialist ensures they are correctly targeted and interpreted, speeding up the path to a clear diagnosis.

Treatment options – personalised, not one‑size‑fits‑all

Once diagnosis and staging are complete, Dr. Vimalathithan and the multidisciplinary team recommend a plan tailored to your tumour type, stage, age, general health, and personal priorities.

Common components include:

1. Surgery

For many head and neck cancers, surgery to remove the tumour and involved lymph nodes is the mainstay of treatment.

Early oral cancers may be removed with a margin of healthy tissue, often as a day‑care or short‑stay procedure. ​

• Tongue and floor‑of‑mouth cancers may require partial tongue removal and reconstruction, with early speech and swallow rehabilitation.

• Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers sometimes allow organ‑preserving surgery that maintains the voice box, while more advanced disease may require laryngectomy with voice‑restoration options like TEP.

• Neck dissection removes lymph nodes that may harbour microscopic spread, reducing recurrence risk. ​

In complex cases, reconstructive techniques using skin, muscle, or bone flaps restore appearance and function so that patients can eat, speak, and face others confidently.

2. Radiation therapy

High‑precision radiation can be used:

• As the primary treatment for some early throat and voice‑box cancers.

• After surgery (adjuvant) when there is lymph‑node involvement or other high‑risk features.

• Along with chemotherapy for organ‑preserving approaches in selected laryngeal or pharyngeal cancers.

• Modern techniques such as IMRT and image‑guided radiation allow maximal dose to the tumour while protecting salivary glands, spinal cord, and jaw as much as possible.

3. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies

Medical oncologists may add systemic treatments in situations like:

• Locally advanced disease needing chemoradiation.

• Recurrent or metastatic cancer where cure is less likely, but control and symptom relief are important.

• Selected cases benefiting from immunotherapy or targeted drugs against specific molecular markers.​

Throughout, Dr. Vimalathithan’s role is to coordinate these options so that you receive the right combination, in the right order, without unnecessary delays.

Life after treatment – preserving quality, not just quantity

Surviving head and neck cancer is not only about removing the tumour; it is about returning to eating normally, speaking clearly, and feeling comfortable in social situations.

A comprehensive centre will support you with:

• Speech and swallowing therapy – Exercises and techniques to adapt to any anatomical changes and reduce the risk of aspiration.

• Dental and nutritional care – Planning before and after radiation to protect teeth, jawbone, and nutritional status.

• Psychological and social support – Counselling for body‑image concerns, anxiety, and return to work or family roles.

• Regular surveillance – Follow‑up visits and imaging to detect recurrence early, when it may still be salvageable.

• Patients who are followed closely by a head and neck oncology team often report better long‑term function and satisfaction than those treated piecemeal without structured rehab.

When exactly should you see a specialist?

To put it simply: sooner than you think. You should book an appointment with a head and neck oncology specialist like Dr. Vimalathithan in Chennai if:

• Any of the red‑flag symptoms listed earlier persist beyond 2–3 weeks.

• A general doctor or dentist has treated you repeatedly for “infection” or “ulcer” without clear improvement.

• You notice a neck lump that doesn’t disappear after antibiotics.

• You already have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis and want a second opinion on the best treatment plan.You do not need to wait for biopsy proof of cancer before seeing a specialist; in fact, early referral to oncology speeds up correct testing and staging.

Taking the next step with Dr. Vimalathithan in Chennai

Head and neck cancer can be frightening because it involves the most personal parts of you—your face, your voice, your ability to eat and smile. Yet, with timely action and expert care, many people go on to live full, meaningful lives after treatment.

Choosing a specialist like Dr. Vimalathithan, who focuses on oncology and understands both cure and quality‑of‑life priorities, gives you:

• A clear diagnosis and honest explanation in simple language.

• A customised treatment roadmap based on global guidelines and Indian experience.

• Access to a full multidisciplinary team for surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation.

• If you or someone you care about has worrying symptoms in the mouth, throat, or neck, this is the moment to act—not out of panic, but out of informed self‑care. Booking an early consultation could convert a late, complicated cancer story into an early, curable one.