Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Rathan Shetty is a Senior Consultant Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist based in Navi Mumbai. He holds MS, FHNS, and MCh qualifications in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology and has over a decade of experience in the surgical management of complex head and neck cancers. He is recognised for combining oncologic precision with a strong commitment to preserving patients' functional quality of life.

A surgical oncologist specialises exclusively in the surgical treatment of cancer. Dr. Rathan Shetty's subspecialty MCh training is focused entirely on head and neck oncology, providing advanced expertise in complex cancer resections, reconstructions, and functional preservation that is far beyond general surgical training.

For the most current information about Dr. Shetty's hospital affiliations and clinic locations, please contact the team directly at +91 8828291749 or visit the Contact page for full details.

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of malignancies arising in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, thyroid gland, salivary glands, and skull base. The vast majority are squamous cell carcinomas originating from the mucosal lining of these areas. Head and neck cancers account for approximately 4% of all cancers globally and have a higher incidence in India due to widespread tobacco use.

Key warning signs include a persistent lump in the neck, a mouth ulcer not healing within three weeks, hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent nosebleeds, and white or red patches inside the mouth. Any of these symptoms persisting beyond two weeks require prompt specialist evaluation.

Yes. Many head and neck cancers are highly treatable and curable, particularly when detected at an early or intermediate stage. Even advanced-stage disease can be managed effectively through a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to achieve significant disease control and improved survival.

Yes. Tobacco in all forms — smoking, chewing, gutka, khaini, and paan with tobacco — is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancers in India. When combined with heavy alcohol consumption, the risk is significantly multiplied. Complete cessation of all tobacco products is the most effective preventive measure available.

Yes. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, is a recognised cause of oropharyngeal cancers involving the tonsils and base of tongue. HPV-related head and neck cancers tend to respond better to treatment than tobacco-related cancers. HPV vaccination as per current immunisation guidelines is recommended as a preventive measure.

Oral submucous fibrosis is a pre-malignant condition caused primarily by chewing betel nut or gutka. It causes progressive stiffening and fibrosis of the oral tissues, making it difficult to open the mouth. If left untreated, it carries a significant risk of transforming into oral cancer. Early evaluation, habit cessation, and regular surveillance are essential.

Dr. Shetty treats the full spectrum of head and neck malignancies including oral cavity cancers (tongue, cheek, gum, floor of mouth), oropharyngeal cancers, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, thyroid and parathyroid cancers, salivary gland tumours, skull base and sinonasal malignancies, and recurrent or previously treated head and neck cancers.

Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, endoscopes, or robotic assistance to remove tumours with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. For eligible patients, this approach offers shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, minimal scarring, and faster return to normal activities — without compromising oncologic safety or completeness of tumour removal.

Voice-preserving surgery includes procedures like transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and partial laryngectomy that remove the laryngeal tumour while preserving the patient's natural voice. These are available as alternatives to total laryngectomy for appropriately selected early-to-intermediate stage laryngeal cancers, maintaining both oncologic safety and functional outcome.

Thyroid cancer surgery involves removing part (lobectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland, often along with involved lymph nodes in the central and lateral neck. Dr. Shetty performs this with meticulous surgical technique to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve (which controls the voice) and the parathyroid glands (which regulate calcium levels).

Salivary gland tumours arise in the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands and can be benign or malignant. The most common benign tumour is pleomorphic adenoma. Surgical removal is the primary treatment. Parotid surgery requires careful dissection to identify and preserve the facial nerve, which controls facial movement and expression.

A neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph node groups from the neck that may contain cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumour. It is commonly performed alongside the primary tumour removal for head and neck cancers to achieve complete oncologic clearance and improve long-term disease control.

The need for adjuvant treatment is determined by the pathological findings after surgery. Radiation therapy — sometimes combined with chemotherapy — may be recommended based on risk factors including positive or close surgical margins, lymphovascular invasion, perineural spread, extranodal extension, or multiple positive lymph nodes. Dr. Shetty coordinates this planning with the radiation and medical oncology teams.

A PET-CT scan combines metabolic (PET) and anatomical (CT) imaging to detect active cancer anywhere in the body. In head and neck oncology, it is used for staging advanced cancers, detecting distant metastases, evaluating response to treatment, and identifying early recurrence during post-treatment surveillance.

A biopsy is the removal of a small tissue sample from a suspicious lesion for examination under the microscope. It is essential for confirming the diagnosis of cancer, identifying the cell type and grade, and guiding treatment planning. No cancer treatment should be initiated without histopathological confirmation from a biopsy.

CT scan and MRI provide complementary information. CT is superior for assessing bony involvement and surgical anatomy, while MRI offers better soft tissue detail — particularly for evaluating depth of invasion, perineural spread, tongue muscle involvement, and intracranial extension. Both are commonly used together for complete preoperative staging.

Recovery depends on the type and extent of surgery. Minor procedures may require a few days to two weeks. Complex surgeries involving jaw or oral cavity reconstruction can take one to three months. Dr. Shetty's team provides structured post-operative care including speech therapy, swallowing rehabilitation, nutritional support, and regular follow-up imaging throughout the recovery period.

Dr. Shetty's surgical philosophy prioritises preserving speech and swallowing function alongside achieving complete cancer clearance. Reconstructive techniques using tissue flaps restore the oral cavity and throat's structure, and post-operative speech and swallowing therapy helps patients regain normal function. Most patients return to near-normal eating and speaking within a few months of surgery and rehabilitation.

Follow-up frequency is highest in the first two years after treatment, typically every one to three months. After that, visits are gradually spaced further apart. Follow-up includes clinical examination, endoscopy where appropriate, and periodic imaging such as CT, MRI, or PET-CT to monitor for recurrence and manage any treatment-related side effects.

You can book an appointment by calling +91 8828291749 or +91 7760336119, emailing dr.rathanshetty82@gmail.com, or using the contact form on this website. The team strives to accommodate urgent consultations at the earliest available slot.

Please bring all previous medical reports, biopsy results, imaging CDs (CT, MRI, PET-CT), prescription records, and any referral letters from your treating doctor. A complete medical history including existing conditions, medications, and prior surgeries or treatments is also helpful for the first consultation.

Yes. Dr. Shetty welcomes patients seeking a second opinion, whether for newly diagnosed cases or for those who have undergone prior treatment elsewhere. A thorough review of available reports and imaging will be carried out, and a detailed opinion on diagnosis and management will be provided at the consultation.