Head and Neck Oncology Treatment

Head and neck cancer in Israel may affect the nasopharynx (lips, oral cavity, tongue, nose, sinuses), larynx, facial and neck skin, salivary glands, and eye sockets. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. In addition to biopsies, ultrasound, X-rays, and microscopic testing of cancer cells, advanced diagnostic methods such as CT scanning are used to identify tumors early.

Once the tumor’s exact location, size, type, and stage (including metastasis) are determined, the optimal treatment strategy is chosen. Options include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. As with all cancers, early detection of head and neck tumors in Israel improves prognosis and facilitates treatment.

Thanks to advances in endoscopic radiosurgery and minimally invasive procedures, recovery after surgery is faster, and hospital stays are shorter.

In most cases, treatment combines surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Cancers of the upper and lower jaw are life-threatening and require early diagnosis. In the first and second stages, the tumor can be contained before it spreads to the orbit, pharynx, or neck. Treatment is selected based on tumor type, size, metastasis, location, and overall patient health.

It may include:

• Partial maxillary bone removal
• Full maxillary resection
• Metastasis removal
  

Treatment of upper jaw cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. After one or more preoperative treatments (radiation or chemo), surgeons perform maxillary resection followed by reconstructive surgery to restore the oral cavity, teeth, and functions like swallowing, chewing, speech, and breathing.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Possible complications include blood pressure drops, dental or vocal cord damage (from intubation), or, very rarely, allergic reaction to anesthesia.

There are two main surgical approaches to access the tumor:

• An incision along the side of the nose, from the eye to the corner of the mouth
• An incision inside the mouth, beneath the upper lip – this method avoids facial scars

Tumor-affected tissues are removed, and resulting defects in the hard and soft palate are filled using bone grafts and tissue from the patient’s own body (e.g., from the thigh or abdomen). This prevents food or liquid from entering the nasal cavity, protects against infection, and preserves speech and breathing. Custom prosthetics are used to replace lost teeth.

If metastases are found in cervical lymph nodes, affected lymph nodes are surgically removed — a procedure called neck dissection or cervical lymphadenectomy. Cancers of the thyroid, tongue, lips, breast, lungs, and stomach commonly spread to neck lymph nodes.

In Israel, several techniques are used for this procedure:

• Radical (levels 1–5): removal of all cervical lymph nodes
• Modified radical (levels 1–5)
• Selective (levels 1–3)
• Extended radical (levels 1–5 plus additional structures if necessary)

Surgical treatment of head and neck tumors without queues in Israeli hospitals is among the most advanced globally. Early intervention significantly improves prognosis — even for metastatic disease. In late-stage cases, survival rates drop by 50%, despite proper treatment.

As with any surgery, complications are possible. Surgeons and anesthesiologists assess the patient’s condition beforehand to minimize risks.

After surgery, patients stay in the ICU under constant supervision. Hospitalization lasts from 5 to 14 days depending on the surgery’s complexity. If swallowing is difficult, nutrition is provided through a nasal tube or abdominal opening. Patients begin sitting up within 1–2 days. Swallowing ability is evaluated gradually, starting with liquids and progressing to soft foods. Hot foods are avoided.

Postoperative pain typically subsides within a week. Stitches are removed after about 10 days, after which showering is allowed. Antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed to prevent infections.

Heavy physical activity should be avoided for the first two weeks.

After completing treatment, patients undergo regular check-ups every 6 weeks, and then annually for up to 10 years. If new symptoms or growths appear, they must consult a doctor immediately.

International patients can access head and neck cancer treatment in Israel quickly and efficiently. To treat head and neck cancer without waiting, contact the Ichilov Hospital’s international department by:

• Email: medtour@tlvmc.gov.il
• Website: Submit a request in the form on this page

Doctors will review your medical records within 24–48 hours and respond whether treatment is possible. You will receive a preliminary price list, allowing you to plan your expenses in advance. This ensures timely care and avoids unnecessary tests — helping you begin head and neck oncology in Israel without queues.