Common Warning Signs
- Non-healing ulcer or skin lesion (lasting >2 weeks)
- Nasal blockage, stuffiness, or unexplained nosebleeds
- Swelling near the jaw or ear (possible salivary gland)
- Ear discharge, pain, or a growth inside the ear canal
- Facial swelling, numbness, or visual / eye symptoms
- Neck lump that doesn't resolve in 2–3 weeks
Risk Factors
- Prolonged sun exposure — primary cause of facial skin cancers
- Tobacco & alcohol use (especially combined)
- Chronic infections — repeated ear or sinus infections
- Radiation exposure (medical or occupational)
- Wood dust / leather dust — linked to sinonasal tumours
- Previous skin cancer or family history
Staging — TNM Classification
- T — Primary tumour size and extent of local invasion
- N — Regional lymph node involvement
- M — Distant metastasis to other organs
- Final pathological staging (pTNM) confirmed after surgery / histopathology
Clinical staging guides planning. Final definitive staging requires histopathology report after biopsy or surgery.
Types & Prognosis (Overall Survival)
🧴 Basal Cell Carcinoma
>95%
5-year Overall Survival
🧴 Squamous Cell (Skin)
70–90%
5-year Overall Survival
🌑 Melanoma
Stage-
dependent
dependent
Varies widely by stage & subtype
🫁 Nose & Sinus
40–70%
Often late presentation
💧 Salivary Gland (Benign)
Excellent
Near-complete cure expected
💧 Salivary Gland (Malignant)
50–80%
5-year Overall Survival
👂 Ear Canal Cancer
40–60%
Rare but aggressive
👁️ Orbital / Eye Tumours
Early = Vision preserved
Late: enucleation may be needed
Treatment Pathway
- Biopsy — Tissue confirmation of cancer type and grade
- Imaging — CT / MRI / PET for accurate staging
- Surgery — Wide excision with safe surgical margins (primary treatment)
- Reconstruction — Flap surgery for cosmetic & functional restoration
- Radiotherapy / Chemotherapy — Adjuvant, as per histopathology
Common Myths — Busted
"Skin cancer is minor — any clinic can remove it"
Improper removal leaves positive margins, causing recurrence and facial deformity. Specialist margins are essential.
"Any general surgeon can operate head & neck tumours"
These tumours lie adjacent to the eye, facial nerve, and brain. Specialist training is non-negotiable for safe outcomes.
"If it doesn't hurt, it can't be cancer"
Most head & neck cancers are painless in early stages. Painlessness is NOT reassurance — get it evaluated.
Why a High-Volume Head & Neck Oncosurgeon?
Precise Tumour RemovalSafe margins with lower recurrence rates than general surgery.
Safe Near Critical StructuresEye, facial nerve, and skull base require specialist skill.
Better Cosmetic OutcomesFace-preserving techniques by experienced hands.
Advanced ReconstructionFlap and microvascular techniques restore form and function.
Multidisciplinary CareOncology, radiation, and rehab working together.
Choosing an experienced oncosurgeon significantly improves cure, appearance, and quality of life.
Book a Consultation
Dr. Bidhan Koirala — Head & Neck Oncosurgeon
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
Act on time without fear — early treatment saves life.