Oral cancer is one of the important health concerns in India. It can affect different parts of the mouth, including the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, lips, floor of the mouth and roof of the mouth. One of the major challenges in managing oral cancer is that its early symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for […]
When a patient is diagnosed with head and neck cancer, the immediate focus is understandably on treatment—surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. But cancer treatment is only one part of the journey. Once treatment is completed, patients and families often expect life to return to normal immediately. In reality, emotional […]
Medical science advances when we are willing to question established approaches, examine emerging evidence, and discuss where new treatments may fit into clinical practice. At FHNO 2026 in Srinagar, I had the opportunity to participate in an engaging academic debate on an increasingly relevant question in Head & Neck Oncology: “Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Should Be the […]
A blocked nose, facial pressure, headache, or nasal discharge is often associated with a sinus infection. In many cases, these symptoms are caused by sinusitis, allergies, or other non-cancerous conditions. However, persistent or unusual sinus symptoms should not always be assumed to be an infection. Some cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can […]
One of the most difficult questions patients and families face after cancer treatment is: “Why did the cancer come back?” After completing surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments, patients naturally hope that the cancer is gone permanently. When cancer is later detected again, it can be frightening and confusing. Cancer recurrence does […]
There are some professional meetings that leave you with a notebook full of information. Others leave you with ideas that continue to influence the way you think long after the meeting has ended. IFHNOS 2026 in Brisbane was one of those experiences for me. It was a privilege to participate as an invited faculty member […]
When treating head and neck cancer, the first priority is always complete and safe removal of the cancer. But cancer surgery does not end with tumor removal. In many patients, particularly those with larger or advanced tumors, removing the cancer can leave a defect involving the tongue, jaw, throat, face, skin, or other important structures. […]
Sinus cancer is one of the rarest forms of head and neck cancer, accounting for less than 5% of all cancers in this region. Because its early symptoms often resemble common conditions such as sinus infections or allergies, many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed. Fortunately, advances in cancer surgery, radiation therapy, […]
For many patients diagnosed with laryngeal (voice box) cancer, one of the greatest fears is not just the cancer itself, but the possibility of losing their voice. Questions such as “Will I be able to speak again?” or “How will I communicate with my family?” are among the most common concerns I hear during consultations. […]
When patients hear the term “throat cancer,” they often assume it refers to a single disease. In reality, throat cancer is a broad term that includes several different cancers arising in various parts of the throat and voice box. Each type has unique symptoms, risk factors, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Understanding the different types of […]
Receiving a diagnosis of oral cancer can be overwhelming for patients and their families. One of the first questions most patients ask is, “What are my treatment options?” The good news is that advances in cancer care have significantly improved treatment outcomes, especially when oral cancer is diagnosed early. Modern oral cancer treatment is highly […]
Cancer care begins long before a patient reaches a specialist’s clinic. In many cases, the journey starts with a family physician—the trusted healthcare professional who knows the patient, understands their medical history, and is often the first to identify subtle warning signs of a potentially serious condition. It was a privilege to participate in a […]
Vascular tumors are abnormal growths that arise from blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. While many vascular tumors are benign and can be managed with observation or minimally invasive treatments, some require surgery due to symptoms, rapid growth, bleeding, functional impairment, or cosmetic concerns. Over the past decade, advances in imaging, surgical planning, and reconstructive techniques […]
Many people have heard of the thyroid gland, but very few know about the parathyroid glands, small structures that play a major role in keeping the body functioning normally. Patients often ask me: “What exactly are parathyroid glands? Are they part of the thyroid? What happens if they stop working?” These are important questions, especially […]
Hearing the words “You may need tests to rule out cancer” can be overwhelming. Patients often ask: Which tests will I need? Why are scans important? Is a biopsy always necessary? These are valid concerns. Diagnosing head and neck cancers is not based on a single scan or symptom. It involves a careful process of […]