Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Complex Conditions
A pharyngectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the pharynx—the muscular tube that connects the mouth and nasal passages to the esophagus and larynx. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat pharyngeal cancer, particularly when the disease is advanced or has not responded to radiation or chemotherapy.
When Is a Pharyngectomy Needed?
Pharyngectomy may be recommended for patients with:
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or nasopharynx
- Recurrent throat cancer after previous treatment
- Tumors involving the tonsils, tongue base, or voice box (larynx)
- Severe trauma or structural damage to the throat
The extent of surgery depends on the tumor’s location and spread. It may involve a partial or total pharyngectomy, and often requires coordination with other procedures, such as laryngectomy or reconstructive surgery.
While complex, a pharyngectomy can be a life-saving procedure and an essential step in comprehensive cancer care.
Pharyngectomy is performed under general anesthesia and often involves a multidisciplinary surgical team. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed to assess or prevent the spread of cancer. Because the pharynx is essential for swallowing and speaking, reconstruction is typically performed using tissue grafts or flaps from other parts of the body to restore form and function.
Following surgery, patients may require:
- A temporary or permanent tracheostomy (breathing tube in the neck)
- A feeding tube to maintain nutrition during recovery
- Rehabilitation therapy to regain speech and swallowing abilities
Recovery from a pharyngectomy is intensive but manageable with the right support. Patients are closely monitored for healing, nutrition, airway management, and signs of recurrence. Our care team includes:
- Head and neck surgeons
- Oncologists
- Speech and swallowing therapists
- Reconstructive surgeons
- Nutrition and psychological support staff
Our goal is not just survival, but restoration of function and quality of life.
We specialize in complex head and neck cancer treatment, offering state-of-the-art surgical techniques and personalized care plans. Our collaborative approach ensures every patient receives compassionate, comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery.