Specialised management of head and neck cancers, tumors, voice disorders, and thyroid and salivary gland pathology using multidisciplinary and robotic-assisted techniques.
Head and neck cancer is extremely prevalent, particularly in regions with high rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV exposure. Dr. Sabri leads a state-of-the-art Head and Neck Oncology service that delivers individualised, evidence-based care through a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The programme covers the full spectrum from diagnosis through to surgery, reconstruction, and post-treatment rehabilitation — always centred on achieving the best possible oncological outcome while preserving speech, swallowing, and quality of life.
Cancer of the larynx is diagnosed by physical examination through fiber-optic laryngoscopy in the clinic, radiologic studies, and direct laryngoscopy and biopsy in the operating room. Surgical treatment of laryngeal tumors includes localized resection using endoscopic techniques (LASER), partial laryngectomies, and total laryngectomies — all designed to maximize cure and minimize speech and swallowing difficulties. In cases of advanced cancer, total laryngectomies are performed with tracheo-esophageal prosthesis placement for speech rehabilitation. Adjunctive treatments include radiation and chemotherapy.
Parotid, submandibular, and minor salivary gland tumors are usually treated surgically. These are a complex heterogeneous group of tumors that require advanced expertise to avoid injury to important structures such as the facial nerve during parotidectomy. These tumors may also require additional therapy such as radiation after surgery. Benign lesions of the salivary glands are treated as well, including stones, cysts and various benign growths.
The oropharynx is a challenging area because of its intricate anatomy and implications for speech, swallowing and breathing. Tumors of this area are usually malignant (squamous cell carcinoma) and are treated by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy or combinations of the above. There is a steep worldwide rise in oral and oropharyngeal cancers due to their strong association with the HPV virus. A multi-disciplinary tumor board discusses each case to design the best treatment plan.
As with oropharyngeal cancers, these are usually squamous cell carcinoma and also impact speech and swallowing. These tumors are usually treated with surgery, with possible radiation therapy post-operatively for more advanced tumors. Removal of the neck lymph nodes is usually performed alongside these tumors. Our speech and swallowing therapists help optimize patient recovery.
Head and Neck skin cancers are widespread, especially in areas with increased sun exposure. These include most commonly basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanomas. They can grow to be quite large, destructive and may spread to the neck lymph nodes. Treatment includes surgical resection, reconstruction using local, regional or free flaps, and removal of the appropriate lymph nodes when indicated. Lympho-scintigraphy is available to detect the lymph nodes involved.
Thyroid lesions include benign and malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. Benign thyroid tumors include cysts, multi-nodular goiter, and adenomas. Thyroid cancers include most commonly well-differentiated tumors (papillary and follicular). Total and subtotal thyroidectomies are usually performed for cancers in addition to post-operative treatment with radioactive iodine when indicated. Intra-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring (NIM) is available to identify this nerve more easily.
Many neuro-vascular tumors are present in the Head and Neck region and are usually treated surgically by total removal. They include paragangliomas that can present around the carotid artery bifurcation (carotid body tumors) or may involve vital nerves such as the vagus nerve. Neural tumors can also involve any nerve in the head and neck, such as vagal schwannoma, facial nerve or sympathetic chain schwannomas. These are removed with the assistance of the intra-operative nerve monitor. In cases where the nerve has to be sacrificed, surgical reconstruction is performed through nerve grafting.
Patients with voice and swallowing problems related to the upper alimentary tract, of benign or malignant origin, that can be treated either through procedures or medically.