Head Neck Oncology Glossary

Lateral recess of hypopharynx; common site of hypopharyngeal cancer with tendency for submucosal spread.

Microvascular free flap based on the radial artery, commonly used for oral cavity reconstruction. Also known as the Chin...

Surgical removal of all lymph node groups in the neck along with surrounding structures including muscle and nerve.

Branch of the vagus nerve that innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles; injury causes vocal cord paralysis.

Triangular area of tissue behind the last mandibular molar, a common site for oral cavity cancers.

Deep cervical lymph nodes located in the retropharyngeal space between the pharynx and prevertebral fascia. First echelo...

Total laryngectomy performed after failure of primary nonsurgical treatment. Carries higher morbidity than primary surge...

Surgical intervention performed after failure of primary non-surgical treatment.

Surgical removal of a continuous segment of the mandible including the tooth-bearing portion. Distinguished from margina...

Surgical removal of specific lymph node groups in the neck while preserving non-lymphatic structures.

Surgical technique to identify and remove the first lymph node draining a tumor site.

An aggressive malignancy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses characterized by poorly differentiated cells.

Eleventh cranial nerve innervating trapezius muscle; injury during neck dissection causes shoulder dysfunction.

The most common type of head and neck cancer, arising from the flat cells lining the mucous membranes.

Branch of vagus nerve with internal and external divisions; controls cricothyroid muscle and laryngeal sensation.

Partial laryngectomy preserving the cricoid cartilage and at least one arytenoid cartilage. A conservative surgical opti...

Surgical removal of the portion of the larynx above the vocal cords, preserving voice function while treating cancer.

Congenital cystic mass arising from embryonic thyroglossal duct remnants, typically presenting in the midline neck.

Tumor penetration through thyroid cartilage, upstaging laryngeal cancer to T4a classification.

Standardized cancer staging system evaluating tumor size (T), nodal involvement (N), and distant metastases (M).

Minimally invasive surgical technique using robotic assistance for head and neck procedures via the oral cavity. Abbrevi...

Restricted mouth opening due to muscle fibrosis or spasm, often following head and neck cancer treatment.

Benign cyst occurring in the vallecula between the epiglottis and tongue base. Can cause dysphagia or airway obstruction...

Incomplete closure of the soft palate against the posterior pharyngeal wall, resulting in speech and swallowing difficul...