How do I prepare for Head and Neck Cancer surgery

Preparing for Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Surgery is a critical part of treatment for many head and neck cancers. Here's what you should know about preparing, based on current medical guidelines and best practices.

Before Surgery: Key Preparation Steps

Medical Workup & Testing

According to NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers, your care team should complete several important evaluations before surgery:

• Imaging studies (CT or MRI) to map the exact location and extent of your cancer
• Endoscopy (looking inside with a camera) to fully visualize the tumor
• Chest imaging to check if cancer has spread to your lungs
• Blood tests and anesthesia evaluation to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery
• PD-L1 testing (a biomarker test) to help guide treatment decisions after surgery

Functional & Nutritional Assessment

Your surgical team should evaluate:

• Swallowing function - baseline assessment before surgery so doctors can track changes afterward
• Nutritional status - because head and neck surgery can affect eating and drinking
• Speech and hearing - important for planning recovery
• Dental health - your dentist may need to address any issues before surgery
• Pulmonary (lung) function tests - especially if you're a candidate for less extensive surgery

Lifestyle & Health Optimization

Smoking & Alcohol: The NCCN Guidelines emphasize that if you currently smoke, you should quit immediately. Smoking significantly increases surgical complications and delays healing. If you've quit in the past, stay abstinent. Ask your care team about smoking cessation resources.

Medications:

• Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and many supplements at least one week before surgery (unless your doctor says otherwise). These thin your blood and can increase bleeding during and after surgery.
• Bring a complete list of all medications and supplements to your pre-surgery appointment.

Physical Preparation:

• Take a thorough shower with soap from head to toe the day before surgery to reduce infection risk
• Follow your surgeon's instructions about eating and drinking before surgery (typically nothing after midnight)

Mental Health & Support

The NCCN Guidelines recommend screening for depression before surgery. Head and neck cancer surgery can be emotionally challenging. Consider:

• Speaking with a mental health professional
• Arranging support from family or friends for your hospital stay and recovery
• Asking about support groups for head and neck cancer patients

Important Questions to Ask Your Surgical Team

Before your surgery, make sure you understand:

1. What exactly will be removed? Ask your surgeon to explain what tissues, lymph nodes, or structures will be taken out and why.

2. What are the specific risks for MY surgery? Different head and neck surgeries have different potential side effects (swallowing changes, voice changes, appearance changes, etc.).

3. Will I need additional treatment after surgery? Ask about radiation therapy or chemotherapy that might follow, so you can mentally prepare.

4. How will my swallowing, speech, and eating be affected? Understanding potential changes helps you prepare emotionally and practically.

5. What should I bring to the hospital, and when should I arrive? Get specific logistics so you're prepared.

6. Who will be in the operating room, and how long will surgery take? Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety.

7. What's the recovery timeline? When can you return to normal activities, eating regular food, etc.?

Post-Surgery Planning (Start Before Surgery)

According to the NCCN Guidelines, you should discuss with your team before surgery:

• Adjuvant (follow-up) treatment options - radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy that may be recommended based on what's found during surgery
• Molecular testing - your surgical specimen should be tested for biomarkers that might guide future treatment decisions
• Rehabilitation needs - speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and physical therapy after surgery

The Day of Surgery

Your support person will be told where to wait and when surgery is complete. You'll recover in a recovery room where medical staff will monitor you closely.

Key Takeaway

Preparation for head and neck cancer surgery involves medical testing, functional assessments, lifestyle changes (especially quitting smoking), and mental preparation. The more you understand what to expect, the better you can prepare yourself and your support system.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.