Common Head & Neck Problems & Treatment in Austin, TX
As board-certified head and neck surgeons and Otolaryngologists, our specialists completed a rigorous 5-year residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery and have many years of experience performing these complex surgical procedures. As leading experts in the field, they remain active in cutting-edge research to bring patients the most effective options available, and their collaborative approach and compassionate care help guide patients towards the right treatments. They have pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques that allow many of these procedures to be done as an outpatient surgery with greatly reduced downtime.
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Thyroid/Parathyroid Tumors
Our surgeons have developed minimally invasive thyroidectomy techniques that allow for procedures to be done as outpatient surgery. Unlike the traditional large-incision approach requiring hospitalization, this method uses a small incision, requires no drain or dressing, and typically eliminates the need for hospital admission. Most patients do not require any pain medicine after the first day and are back to normal activity in a week. Thyroid goiter, nodules, and cancer can all be treated with this technique, and our team works closely with endocrinology to determine the best treatment for each case.
Parathyroid tumors are also treated by our head and neck surgeons with a tiny incision after using sophisticated localization imaging. These small tumors that create elevated calcium levels can typically be removed in a quick procedure, with most patients returning to normal activity within one day. Our practice draws on years of surgical oncology experience to give every patient confidence in their care.
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst And Branchial Cleft Cysts
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst is a benign cyst in the upper central neck that can rapidly expand and become infected. It arises from remnants of the thyroid during embryologic development. The understanding of this development is critical when removing this cyst to prevent a recurrence. Our physicians have extensive experience in the removal of this congenital cyst, using neck surgery techniques designed to protect the surrounding structures and minimize scarring.
Branchial cleft cysts can present as cysts in the neck with occasional draining pores. They frequently become infected and tender with rapid enlargement. These cysts develop as part of a complex embryological development. Our surgeons understand the detailed anatomy and development of these cysts and can offer safe removal as an outpatient surgery. Patients typically recover quickly, with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
Salivary Gland Tumors
The face and neck contain the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. These glands can develop benign and malignant tumors including:
- Pleomorphic adenoma
- Warthin’s tumor
- Acinic cell carcinoma
These tumors arise surrounded by very important nerves in the facial area, and a detailed understanding of the anatomy and experience is critical to their removal. Our surgeons have extensive experience to safely remove these tumors as an outpatient procedure. When a tumor is found to be malignant, our team draws on surgical oncology expertise to guide treatment, and reconstructive surgery or facial plastic techniques may be used to help restore normal appearance and function afterward. We work closely with each patient to explain their options and support them through treatment.
Enlarged Lymph Node (Lymphadenopathy)
Lymph nodes can become enlarged in kids and adults. It’s very important to differentiate between a benign reactive lymph node enlargement, primary cancers such as lymphoma, and metastatic cancers that can appear in the lymph nodes. An enlarged node can sometimes be a sign of infection rather than something more serious, so accurate diagnosis matters. Fine Needle Aspiration is used by our surgeons to obtain a better understanding before any surgery. Surgical removal of the enlarged lymph node is a simple outpatient procedure with a small incision, and most patients return to normal activity quickly afterwards. Anyone who notices a persistent lump in the neck or new symptoms should seek evaluation to help determine the cause and start a treatment plan right away.
Mouth Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of upper respiratory cancer, which includes oropharyngeal cancer. It can start anywhere in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, voice box, and upper esophagus. Our physicians can perform a fiberoptic video endoscopy to identify any possible cancer. A biopsy can be performed in the operating room safely to obtain definitive answers. Our surgeons are experts in the complex surgical procedures to successfully remove squamous carcinoma from the head and neck area. They also work closely with the medical oncologists, radiation therapists, nutritionists, speech pathologists, and the patient’s family as a team effort, providing coordinated patients care to attack this disease for the best outcomes and quality of life.
Skin Cancer
The face and neck are highly prone to skin cancers due to sun exposure. Our physicians have extensive experience in both removal and complex reconstructive procedures to restore function and appearance after cancer removal, with patient care and results that reflect years of specialized head and neck training.
Vocal Center
Our physicians are experts in Laryngology (treatment of the diseases of the vocal cords). A tiny fiber-optic scope gives our physicians a clear view of the patient’s vocal folds while in motion. Many non-surgical therapies are effective in treating these conditions. Our Allergy Testing and Treatment Center provides enhanced allergy therapies to relieve vocal issues. Reflux therapy, Botox for spasmodic dysphonia, and speech therapy are also very effective to assist with these conditions, and our team works closely with each patient to find the right approach. Minimally invasive procedures can also be successful, such as endoscopic removal of vocal cord polyps and nodules, helping patients return to normal life with minimal disruption.
Schedule A Consultation
If you would like more information about head or neck surgery, or to learn more about our surgeons’ approach to patient care, call or securely text us at 512.601.0303 to schedule a visit or consultation at our office in Austin, TX.
Austin Head & Neck Surgery— FAQs
What is head and neck surgery?
Head and neck surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the structures of the head and neck, including the thyroid, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and throat. Our head and neck specialists combine advanced training in otolaryngology head and neck surgery with hands-on experience to treat both benign and cancerous conditions.
What conditions do head and neck surgeons treat?
Approximately 27 million people visit otolaryngologists across the U.S. annually. Head and neck specialists treat a wide range of head and neck conditions, including thyroid and parathyroid tumors, cysts, salivary gland tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, and cancers of the mouth, skin, and throat. Because so many important nerves, glands, and blood vessels are concentrated in this area, neck surgery requires detailed anatomical knowledge and precision, which is what you can expect at Sinus & Snoring Specialists in Austin, TX. Our specialists are equipped with years of training and experience caring for these delicate and essential areas of the head and neck, so you can rest assured that you’re in the very best hands.
What symptoms should prompt a visit to a head and neck surgeon?
Symptoms that can affect the head and neck, such as a persistent lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained swelling, or a sore that won’t heal in the mouth or throat, should be evaluated promptly. Early evaluation helps our doctors determine the right course of treatment and can significantly improve outcomes, especially when cancer is a concern.
What is minimally invasive head and neck surgery?
Minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions and advanced imaging to reduce trauma to surrounding tissue, often allowing procedures to be performed as outpatient surgery with less downtime. Our surgeons have pioneered several of these approaches, including minimally invasive thyroidectomy and endoscopic vocal cord procedures, so patients can return to their normal lives more quickly.
What is the difference between neck surgery and neck surgical oncology?
General neck surgery covers a broad range of procedures, from removing cysts to treating thyroid conditions, while neck surgical oncology refers specifically to the surgical treatment of cancers affecting the neck, such as neck cancer or oropharyngeal cancer. Our surgeons bring focused surgical oncology experience to these more complex cases.
What training do head and neck surgeons have?
Board-certified head and neck surgeons complete medical school followed by several years of residency training in otolaryngology head and neck surgery and passed written, oral, and clinical exams from the American Board of Otolaryngology, giving them deep knowledge of the complex anatomy of the head, neck, and throat. Being board certified means that our surgeons have attained a recognized standard of training and expertise in their field. Our surgeons also stay involved in ongoing education and leading research to keep their practice current with the latest techniques.
How is neck cancer treated?
Neck cancer treatment typically involves a collaborative approach, with our surgeons working closely alongside medical oncologists, radiation therapists, and speech pathologists to design a treatment plan suited to each patient. This team-based model of patient care allows us to address not just the cancer itself, but the patient’s overall recovery and quality of life.
What should I expect during recovery from head and neck surgery?
Recovery time after head and neck surgery varies depending on the procedure, but many of our minimally invasive techniques allow patients to return to normal activity within days rather than weeks. Our team provides clear guidance after every visit, so patients know what to expect and when to reach out with questions.
Why choose Sinus & Snoring Specialists for head and neck surgery?
Our head and neck surgeons bring years of specialized experience, a compassionate care approach, and a collaborative approach with other specialists to every patient’s treatment. We focus on combining cutting edge research with personalized care to give every patient confidence in their surgery and recovery.
Why might someone need head and neck surgery?
Common reasons include tumors, chronic infections, and structural issues. Depending on the condition, this can involve procedures like a thyroidectomy (removing all or part of the thyroid gland), a neck dissection (removing lymph nodes to treat or stage cancer), or ACDF (a neck procedure for pain or nerve impingement involving disc removal and fusion).
What is reconstructive surgery, and when is it used?
Reconstructive surgery repairs areas affected by disease or surgery, often using tissue taken from other parts of the body. One example is microvascular reconstruction, which is used to treat head and neck cancers.
What is scarless thyroidectomy?
Scarless thyroidectomy is a technique for removing all or part of the thyroid gland without leaving a visible scar on the neck. It was first developed in 2016.
What is an otolaryngologist, and do they specialize further?
Otolaryngologists, also known as ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists), treat conditions affecting those areas. Many also pursue subspecialties, such as pediatric otolaryngology, to focus on specific patient groups or conditions.