Head & Neck

The salivary glands, located in the mouth and throat, are responsible for producing saliva to keep your food moist, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also aids in digestion, keeps your teeth from decaying and contains antibodies that keep your mouth clean and germ-free. Disorders of the salivary glands can interfere with these…

The Thyroid Gland is a small gland located in the front of the neck, often weighing less than an ounce. This small gland is made up of two halves called lobes, and they lie along the trachea (windpipe). The lobes are joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue known as the isthmus. The function of…

Microvascular reconstruction is an advanced surgical technique used to rebuild the face and neck with blood vessels, bone, tissue, music and skin from other parts of the body. The process involves harvesting healthy tissue from a remote spot on the body, including the blood supply. The tissue is transferred to the wound to help reconstruct…

Neck and throat cancers usually form in the squamous cells lining the inside of the mouth, nose, and throat. They are highly curable if detected early, and often respond well to surgery or radiation treatment. Cancers in this region are classified according to where they are located in the body. They include: Oral cavity. This…

Eastern Carolina Ear, Nose & Throat – Head and Neck Surgery provides comprehensive care for patients with cancer of the face, oral cavity, throat, neck, and ear. About Head and Neck Cancer Some of the common symptoms of cancer of the head and neck include persistent pain in the throat, pain or difficulty with swallowing,…

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones used to regulate your body’s metabolism. Though relatively rare, thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply in the thyroid gland. Fortunately, patients with thyroid cancer frequently do well because it is usually detected early and responds well to treatment. It is important to…

Skin cancer can develop on any part of the body that receives frequent sun exposure – the scalp, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, for instance. One of the areas most prone to skin cancer is the face. It can affect people of all skin tones, including individuals with darker complexions. What Are the…

Oral cancer is any cancer that forms around the lips, tongue, cheeks, hard or soft palate, floor of mouth, sinuses or throat. If not treated early, this form of cancer could be life threatening. What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer? There are a variety of symptoms that could indicate oral cancer, including: Changes in…

When a patient has been diagnosed with an oral cancer, transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS) may be an option if the tumor needs to be removed. TORS is a minimally invasive surgery that can be done through the mouth. It uses a sophisticated, computer enhanced system to guide surgical tools. This system gives the surgeon an…