Speciality
Hypopharyngeal & Laryngeal Cancer Surgery
Voice-preserving surgery for cancers of the voice box and food pipe.
About Hypopharyngeal & Laryngeal Cancer
Hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers affect speech, swallowing and breathing. Dr Smit Doshi takes a function-first approach — wherever oncologically safe, voice-preserving partial laryngectomy, trans-oral laser microsurgery and reconstructive surgery are used to maintain quality of life.
Symptoms
Signs to take seriously
- 1Hoarseness persisting more than 3 weeks
- 2Pain on swallowing radiating to the ear
- 3Difficulty swallowing, especially solids
- 4A lump in the side of the neck
- 5Chronic cough or blood-tinged sputum
- 6Unexplained weight loss
- 7A feeling of something stuck in the throat
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
The path to a confirmed diagnosis
- 01
Flexible laryngoscopy in the outpatient clinic
- 02
Direct laryngoscopy and biopsy under anaesthesia
- 03
Contrast CT or MRI of the neck
- 04
PET-CT for staging and to detect second primaries
- 05
Barium swallow for hypopharyngeal cases
- 06
Voice and swallowing evaluation pre-operatively
Treatment
How Dr Doshi treats this
Trans-oral laser microsurgery (TLM)
Minimally invasive removal of early-stage laryngeal cancers through the mouth, preserving voice.
Partial laryngectomy
Removal of part of the voice box for tumours confined to one side — speech and swallowing are preserved.
Total laryngectomy with voice rehabilitation
For advanced disease, removal of the voice box is followed by surgical voice restoration using tracheo-esophageal puncture.
Pharyngectomy with free flap reconstruction
For hypopharyngeal tumours, removal of the affected food-pipe segment with reconstruction using a forearm or jejunal flap.
Comprehensive neck dissection
Removal of regional lymph nodes, often bilateral for hypopharyngeal disease.
Recovery
What to expect afterwards
- 1
ICU monitoring for 24–48 hours after major laryngeal surgery
- 2
Hospital stay of 7–14 days for total laryngectomy
- 3
Tube feeding for 7–10 days while the surgical site heals
- 4
Speech rehabilitation begins 6–8 weeks post-operatively
- 5
Swimming and water exposure are avoided lifelong after laryngectomy
Patient story
“I came for a second opinion after another hospital suggested complete voice box removal. Dr Doshi found a way to preserve my voice with laser surgery. I can still teach my grandchildren songs.”
— Suresh Desai, Surat · Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Frequently asked
What patients ask about hypopharyngeal & laryngeal cancer surgery
Have a question that isn’t here? Reach out — we usually reply within two hours.
Take the first step today.
Early detection saves lives. Speak with Dr Doshi — a 15-minute consultation can change the course of treatment.
Disclaimer: This information is for awareness only and does not substitute a medical consultation. For personalised advice on your condition, please book an appointment with Dr Doshi.