Neck conditions can affect how you swallow, breathe, and speak. They may also cause swelling, discomfort, or visible changes in appearance. Common problems include thyroid and parathyroid disorders, salivary gland disease, neck masses, and head and neck cancers.
At WMCHealth, you’ll experience advanced care from board-certified head and neck surgeons. Our Advanced ENT Services team has extensive training in the latest surgical techniques and uses leading-edge technology to guide your treatment. Whether you need medication, a minimally invasive procedure or complex surgery, your plan will be personalized to your needs.
When Is Neck Surgery Needed?
Your WMCHealth care team will always consider the least invasive options first. In many situations, medication or therapy may relieve your symptoms. Because what you’re experiencing is different from the next person we see, your ENT specialist will recommend treatment based on your specific condition.
Neck Surgeries Provided at WMCHealth
At WMCHealth, ENT surgeons provide a wide range of procedures to treat conditions affecting your neck. Some procedures are used to diagnose a condition, while others remove disease, repair injuries, or restore function.
Biopsy
If you have a neck mass or swollen lymph node, your ENT specialist may recommend a biopsy. Most of these biopsies can be performed in five minutes in the office under local anesthetic. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. This helps confirm whether the growth is benign, inflammatory, or cancerous, so your care team can plan treatment.
Excision
If you have a cyst, lipoma, or other neck mass, your surgeon may remove it with an excision procedure. This surgery removes the growth while protecting the healthy areas around it. Removing the mass can reduce discomfort, improve movement, and prevent your condition from worsening.
Incision and Drainage
A deep neck abscess can form when infection spreads between layers of your tissue. Your surgeon may treat the abscess by making an incision and draining fluid. This reduces pressure, eases pain, and helps your body heal more quickly.
Parathyroid Surgery
Overactive parathyroid glands can raise calcium levels in your blood. Symptoms may include fatigue, bone pain, or kidney stones. Surgery to remove the affected gland or glands can correct the imbalance and protect your long-term health.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid disorders may include hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, goiter or thyroid cancer. Some of these conditions can be managed with medication or radioactive iodine ablation, while others may require surgery. The treatment you need will depend on the size of the nodules, your symptoms, and the specific characteristics of the condition.
If surgery is recommended, your surgeon may remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Surgery can help relieve problems such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Salivary Gland Surgery
If you have swelling, pain, or trouble eating or speaking, your salivary glands may be involved. Most salivary gland problems are benign, such as infections or inflammation, and can often be managed with medication or therapy. When you have a tumor (benign or malignant), surgery may be recommended to remove it.
If cancer is found, your care may also involve reconstructive surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. Our specialists work together as a team to create a personalized plan for your specific tumor.
Sialendoscopy
If your salivary gland is blocked, your doctor may recommend sialendoscopy. This minimally invasive approach avoids an external incision.
Using a tiny camera through your mouth, your surgeon can remove stones, inject medication, or take tissue samples. This helps restore saliva flow and reduce symptoms like swelling or pain.
Free Flap Reconstruction
When part of your neck has been damaged by cancer, injury, or a birth defect, your surgeon may suggest free flap reconstruction. This involves transferring skin, muscle, or bone from another part of your body to restore the area. With the help of a surgical microscope, your doctor reconnects the blood vessels, so the transplanted tissue remains healthy, improving both how the area works and how it looks.
Our Approach
Neck disorders can affect many parts of your daily life, from eating and speaking to breathing and sleeping. We take time to explain what will happen before, during, and after surgery, so you know what to expect. You and your loved ones will feel informed and supported throughout your care.