Questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions we are asked most about appointments, insurance, languages and the practice, followed by medical questions by treatment area.
Appointments and the practice
How do I make an appointment?
The fastest way is WhatsApp: message +90 535 811 39 49. You can also call the same number or write to info@aysenurmerichafiz.com.
In which languages are consultations held?
Consultations are held in Turkish and English. This website is also available in Arabic.
Which insurance is accepted?
Allianz, AXA, Anadolu Sigorta, Mapfre Sigorta, Bupa Acıbadem Sigortası, SenCard, bank insurance plans and TBMM Sigortası are accepted. Write to us before your visit to confirm what your policy covers.
What are the opening hours?
Patients are seen on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00. The practice is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where is the practice?
In Selenium Plaza, Fulya, Beşiktaş (Dikilitaş Mah. Hakkı Yeten Cad. No:10, office I/11), in central Istanbul. The contact page has a link that opens the location in Google Maps.
Can I travel from abroad for treatment?
Yes. The practice is authorised by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health for international health tourism (certificate no. ST-1670). Message us on WhatsApp in English or Turkish to start.
Are children seen at the practice?
The practice sees adult patients.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Any previous results (blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT reports, pathology results), a list of the medicines you take, your ID or passport, and your insurance details make the visit easier.
In which languages is the website available?
This site is in Turkish, English and Arabic; the TR / EN / AR buttons open the same page in another language.
Medical questions by treatment area; each answer links to the page it comes from.
Thyroid Diseases
Is every thyroid nodule cancer?
No. The great majority of nodules are benign; which nodules need further investigation is decided from the ultrasound findings and, if necessary, a biopsy.
Is a thyroid biopsy painful?
Fine-needle biopsy is similar to having blood drawn; it is brief and usually needs no anaesthetic. You may feel mild discomfort during it.
Does a benign nodule need surgery?
Usually not. Benign nodules that cause no symptoms are monitored; surgery is considered when a nodule grows enough to press on surrounding structures or becomes suspicious.
Can thyroid cancer be treated?
Most of its types are slow-growing, and treatment is mainly surgical. The outcome depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the response to treatment.
Will I need to take thyroid hormone medication after surgery?
Yes, for life, if the whole gland is removed. If only one lobe is removed, the remaining tissue usually produces enough hormone; this is checked with blood tests.
Is thyroid cancer hereditary?
Most thyroid cancers are not hereditary. Some cases of the medullary type run in families; in that case genetic counselling may be recommended for family members.
What causes thyroid cancer?
In most patients the exact cause is unknown. Radiation to the neck region in childhood, a family history of thyroid cancer, certain inherited syndromes and female sex are counted among the risk factors; however, it can also occur in people with no risk factors at all.
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
In the early period it usually causes no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur are a firm swelling at the front of the neck that moves on swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes at the sides of the neck, hoarseness that does not go away, and difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath.
What treatments are used for thyroid cancer?
The main treatment is surgery: depending on the size and extent of the tumour, one lobe or the whole gland is removed, and the lymph nodes of the neck are cleared as well if they are involved or suspected to be. After surgery, radioactive iodine treatment may be given to selected patients; radiotherapy and targeted drugs are considered in advanced-stage disease or disease that does not respond to iodine.
Is papillary thyroid cancer dangerous?
It is one of the thyroid cancers with the most favourable course. It grows slowly and its treatment is mainly surgical; the course depends on the features and stage of the tumour.
Does spread to the neck lymph nodes change treatment?
Yes. In that case removal of the whole thyroid together with the involved lymph nodes, followed by radioactive iodine treatment, may be planned.
Is the whole thyroid removed in every papillary cancer?
No. For small, single-focus tumours confined to the gland, removing only the affected lobe may be enough; the decision depends on the features of the tumour.
Why can a biopsy not confirm follicular cancer?
The cells of a benign follicular adenoma and of follicular cancer look alike; the difference becomes clear only when the removed nodule's capsule and blood vessels are examined under the microscope.
Does follicular cancer spread to the lymph nodes?
Less often than the papillary type. This type tends to spread through the bloodstream, for example to bone or lung, and follow-up is planned accordingly.
Is a second operation needed after lobectomy?
Usually not if the pathology shows minimally invasive cancer. In widely invasive cancer, the rest of the gland is removed and radioactive iodine treatment is planned.
Is medullary thyroid cancer hereditary?
Some cases are. For this reason genetic testing is recommended for every patient diagnosed; if a gene change is found, family members are screened as well.
Why is radioactive iodine not used for this type?
Medullary cancer cells do not take up iodine, so radioactive iodine is ineffective. Treatment is based on surgery; targeted drugs may be used in progressive disease.
Why is the calcitonin level monitored?
The tumour cells secrete calcitonin. After surgery, a level that stays low shows the disease is under control, while a rising level calls for further investigation.
Will my voice change after thyroid surgery?
Temporary voice fatigue due to swelling around the vocal cords is common and usually settles within weeks. Permanent damage to the voice nerve is rare; the nerve is monitored during surgery so that it can be preserved.
When can I return to work after surgery?
Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks. Those doing heavy physical work may be advised to wait a few weeks longer.
Will the scar be noticeable?
The incision is placed in a natural skin crease at the lower neck. The scar may be red in the first months and usually fades over time; protecting it from the sun helps.
Salivary Gland Tumours
Are most salivary gland tumours cancer?
No. Most salivary gland tumours are benign; however, every lump needs to be assessed by examination and, if necessary, biopsy in order to identify the malignant ones.
Should a benign tumour be operated on?
Usually yes. Benign tumours grow over time, some types can rarely turn malignant, and a definite diagnosis can only be made by examining the removed tissue.
Does a salivary gland tumour go away on its own?
Tumours do not disappear by themselves. Swelling caused by infection or a stone may be temporary; a persistent lump should be evaluated by a doctor.
What causes a salivary gland tumour?
A tumour forms when cells in a salivary gland multiply uncontrollably. The cause of most salivary gland cancers is not known; known risk factors include older age, radiation treatment to the head and neck and exposure to certain substances at work.
What are the symptoms of a salivary gland tumour?
A slowly growing lump that does not hurt, in front of the ear, under the jaw or inside the mouth, is one symptom; others are pain, numbness or weakness of the facial muscles, and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. Pain, rapid growth and facial nerve symptoms may suggest a malignant tumour, but they can also occur in benign conditions.
Does parotid tumour surgery cause facial paralysis?
Because the facial nerve runs through the gland, the operation aims to preserve it; temporary weakness may occur and usually improves with time; permanent weakness is less common, and permanent weakness of the whole face is rare.
Can a parotid tumour be diagnosed definitively with a needle biopsy?
Fine-needle biopsy gives a strong preliminary indication of whether the tumour is benign or malignant; the definite diagnosis is made by examining the tissue removed at surgery.
Will I have a dry mouth after surgery?
Because the other salivary glands continue to work, removal of one parotid gland does not usually cause noticeable dry mouth.
Is every lump under the jaw a tumour?
No. A large proportion of swellings under the jaw are due to salivary stones, duct blockage or enlarged lymph nodes; the distinction is made by examination and ultrasound.
Will my mouth be dry after the submandibular gland is removed?
Because the other salivary glands continue to work, removal of a single gland does not usually cause noticeable dry mouth.
Will the scar be visible?
The incision is placed to follow a neck crease; the scar usually fades and becomes less noticeable over months.
Can salivary gland cancer be treated?
In early-stage and low-grade tumours, treatment is usually completed with surgery alone; in advanced stages, radiotherapy is added to surgery. The outcome depends on the type, grade and stage of the tumour.
Is surgery necessary to diagnose cancer?
Fine-needle biopsy and imaging give strong clues; however, the definite diagnosis and the type of tumour are determined by pathological examination of the removed tissue.
Will there be a permanent change to my face after treatment?
If the tumour spares the facial nerve, the aim is to preserve it; if the nerve has to be removed, repair and supportive procedures aim to restore facial movement.
How long does salivary gland surgery take?
The duration depends on the size and location of the tumour and its relationship to the facial nerve; protecting the nerve is the most meticulous and time-consuming part of the operation.
How is the facial nerve protected during surgery?
The nerve is identified at its main trunk and its branches are followed under direct vision; a nerve monitoring device is used when needed.
Will there be a scar after surgery?
The incision is placed in the creases in front of the ear and in the neck; the scar usually fades and becomes less noticeable with time.
How is a salivary gland tumour treated?
Salivary gland surgery removes the tumour or the diseased gland. In the parotid gland, only the superficial part is removed if the tumour lies there, and the whole gland if the tumour is in the deep part or is malignant; a tumour of the submandibular gland is removed together with the whole gland. In malignant tumours, the lymph nodes of the neck are also removed in the same session if necessary.
What are the risks of salivary gland surgery?
As with any operation, bleeding, infection and wound problems may occur. The risks specific to this region include temporary weakness of the facial nerve, numbness of the earlobe, sweating over the operated area while eating (Frey’s syndrome) and a collection or leak of saliva. Most of these are temporary; permanent facial weakness is less common, and permanent weakness of the whole face is rare.
When can I return to work after surgery?
A return to desk work is usually possible within a few days and to physically demanding work within a few weeks; the timing depends on the extent of the operation.
Is the weakness in my face permanent?
When the nerve has been preserved, the weakness is usually temporary and resolves within weeks or months; recovery is monitored at the follow-up visits.
Is it normal for my cheek to sweat while eating?
This is known as Frey’s syndrome and can occur after parotidectomy; it is usually mild and can be treated if it causes discomfort.
Tongue and Oral Cavity Cancers
How does tongue cancer develop?
Tongue cancer develops from the surface lining cells of the tongue; it begins in the thin tissue layer covering the tongue and may over time advance into its muscle. Cigarettes and tobacco products, alcohol and HPV infection are among the factors that predispose to it, but it can also develop without them.
How is tongue cancer treated?
The main treatment is surgery: the tumour is removed together with a margin of healthy tissue around it. If there is a possibility of spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, these are removed in the same operation; depending on the pathology result, radiotherapy or drug treatment may need to be added.
Can a tongue sore that does not heal be a sign of cancer?
It can be. A sore, firm area or white or red patch that has not healed within a few weeks should be assessed by a doctor.
Will I be able to speak after tongue cancer surgery?
After small resections speech is largely preserved; after more extensive surgery, returning to intelligible speech with speech therapy is possible in most cases.
Does tongue cancer occur in non-smokers too?
Yes. Although smoking and alcohol increase the risk, tongue cancer can also develop with HPV infection or without any of the known risk factors.
Is every sore in the mouth cancer?
No. Aphthous ulcers and minor injuries are common and heal within a short time; sores that have not healed within a few weeks, however, must be examined.
What does a white patch inside the mouth mean?
White or red patches that cannot be wiped away are not always cancer, but they may be precancerous lesions; assessment by a doctor and, if needed, monitoring are recommended.
How are oral cavity cancers treated?
The main treatment is surgery; depending on the site and stage of the tumour, removal of the neck lymph nodes, tissue reconstruction and radiation therapy may be added.
Does floor of the mouth cancer cause pain?
In the early period it usually does not hurt; pain may appear as the tumour grows or approaches the nerves. For this reason firm areas that do not hurt also need to be examined.
Is the jawbone removed in floor of the mouth cancer surgery?
Not always. Small tumours far from the bone are removed from the soft tissue only; in tumours close to or advancing into the bone, part of the jawbone may be removed.
Is speech affected after surgery?
There may be a temporary effect; with healing of the tissue and speech therapy when needed, intelligible speech returns in most cases.
How is gum cancer distinguished from gum inflammation?
Gum inflammation improves with cleaning and dental treatment; a sore, raised area or loose teeth that do not respond to treatment need to be examined for cancer.
Does inner cheek cancer leave a scar on the face?
Small tumours are usually removed from inside the mouth, without an incision in the skin of the face; in advanced tumours an incision extending to the skin of the cheek and reconstruction may be needed.
Can the jawbone be rebuilt if it is removed?
In most cases, yes. The removed section of bone can be rebuilt with bone taken from another part of the body or with suitable reconstruction methods, and a dental prosthesis can then be planned.
Is a biopsy painful?
A biopsy is usually performed under local anaesthesia and takes a short time; there may be mild tenderness afterwards.
Is surgery or radiotherapy preferred in the treatment of oral cancer?
In most oral cancers the first choice is surgery; radiotherapy is generally used in addition to surgery or when surgery is not suitable.
How long do follow-up visits continue after treatment?
Regular follow-up continues for years; the mouth and neck are examined at intervals that are more frequent at first and then become less frequent.
When can I eat normal food after surgery?
After small operations a soft diet is started within a few days; after extensive reconstructions the liquid and pureed phase may last several weeks.
Will my speech be as it was before?
After small resections speech is largely preserved; after extensive surgery, returning to intelligible speech with therapy is possible in most cases.
Is a tracheostomy permanent?
Usually not. In oral cavity surgery a tracheostomy is used temporarily until the swelling subsides and is usually closed within a few days.
Laryngeal Cancer
When should hoarseness be taken seriously?
Hoarseness that lasts longer than a few weeks and does not go away, especially in people who smoke, calls for an ear, nose and throat examination.
Does laryngeal cancer only occur in smokers?
No. Smoking is the most important risk factor, but the disease can also occur in people who have never smoked, so the symptoms matter for everyone.
Can laryngeal cancer be treated?
When it is caught at an early stage the treatment options are wide, and in most cases treatment can be planned in a way that preserves the voice.
Can laryngeal cancer occur without hoarseness?
Yes. Tumours that start above or below the vocal cords may affect the voice late; in that case the first symptom may be difficulty swallowing, a sore throat or a swelling in the neck.
Is the endoscopic examination painful?
The examination with a thin, flexible camera is completed within a few minutes using a local anaesthetic spray and usually causes only mild discomfort.
Does a biopsy spread the cancer?
A biopsy is a necessary procedure for diagnosis; there is no scientific evidence that it causes the tumour to spread.
Does the stage decide the outcome of treatment for certain?
No. The stage guides the planning of treatment, but the course of the disease depends on many factors, such as general health, the features of the tumour and the response to treatment.
Can the stage change during treatment?
The stage determined at diagnosis describes the extent of the disease at that moment. Pathology results after surgery can make this assessment more precise.
Can the voice be preserved in early-stage laryngeal cancer?
In the early stages, voice function can be preserved to a large extent with limited surgery that spares the vocal cords or with radiotherapy.
Is surgery necessary in every case of laryngeal cancer?
No. In early-stage tumours radiotherapy alone may be sufficient; in advanced stages, too, a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy that preserves the larynx can be an option.
Will I be able to eat during treatment?
Depending on the type of treatment, swallowing may become difficult for a while. Keeping up your nutrition with the support of a dietitian and a speech and swallowing therapist is an important part of treatment.
How long do the check-ups continue after treatment ends?
Check-ups continue for years; they are frequent at first and become less frequent over time. This follow-up allows a possible recurrence to be noticed early.
Will I be able to speak after the operation?
In endoscopic and partial operations the natural voice is usually preserved. Where the larynx is removed completely, it is usually possible to speak again with voice rehabilitation methods.
Will there be a permanent hole in my neck?
A permanent breathing opening (stoma) is created at the front of the neck in operations where the larynx is removed completely; in other operations a permanent opening is usually not needed.
Will I be able to eat normally after the operation?
Depending on the type of operation, swallowing may be difficult for a while; a gradual return to eating by mouth takes place with the support of a speech and swallowing therapist.
If my larynx is removed completely, will I be able to speak again?
The natural voice is lost, but with methods such as a voice prosthesis, oesophageal speech or an electrolarynx, and with the support of a therapist, it is usually possible to speak intelligibly again.
Can I shower or swim with a stoma?
You can shower using a special cover that protects the stoma from water; swimming, however, is not safe without special equipment, because water can pass directly into the lungs.
When can I return to work after the operation?
This depends on the extent of the operation and the nature of your work; it usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months, and the decision is made together with your doctor.
Pharyngeal Cancer
Are pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer the same disease?
No. Although the pharynx and larynx lie next to each other, they are separate organs; their cancers cause different symptoms and are treated differently.
Does a long-lasting sore throat always mean cancer?
No; infections are by far the most common cause of a sore throat. However, complaints that persist for more than a few weeks should be assessed by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Is pharyngeal cancer contagious?
No, cancer is not contagious. The human papillomavirus linked to some oropharyngeal cancers can pass from person to person, but not everyone who carries the virus develops cancer.
Is there a link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer?
Yes; some oropharyngeal cancers are linked to the human papillomavirus, and these tumours generally respond better to treatment.
Can I get oropharyngeal cancer if my tonsils have been removed?
Yes. A tonsillectomy does not remove all the lymphoid tissue in the area, and the base of the tongue, the soft palate and the back wall of the throat are also part of the oropharynx.
Will I be able to eat normally after treatment for oropharyngeal cancer?
Most people return to eating by mouth over time. How long recovery takes depends on the extent of treatment, and swallowing therapy makes the process easier.
Why is hypopharyngeal cancer often noticed late?
Because the area lies deep in the throat, early symptoms are mild and vague; a feeling of something stuck in the throat or an earache is often put down to ordinary causes.
Is the voice box always removed in hypopharyngeal cancer?
No. In early-stage tumours, and when radiotherapy and chemotherapy are given together, the voice box can often be preserved; the decision depends on how far the tumour has spread.
Can hoarseness be a sign of hypopharyngeal cancer?
Yes; because the tumour lies next to the voice box, it can affect the vocal cords as it grows. Hoarseness that does not go away needs to be assessed.
Is the endoscopic examination painful?
The examination with a thin, flexible camera passed through the nose usually causes only mild discomfort thanks to a local anaesthetic spray, and it is over quickly.
Can a biopsy cause the tumour to spread?
A biopsy is a necessary procedure for confirming the diagnosis; there is no evidence that it causes a tumour to spread.
Should I be concerned about a lump in my neck if it does not hurt?
A neck lump that does not hurt but keeps growing should be assessed, especially if it has lasted more than a few weeks; the absence of pain does not mean it is benign.
Is surgery or radiotherapy better for pharyngeal cancer?
There is no single right answer. The choice depends on the location and stage of the tumour and the likelihood of preserving function; in some situations both methods give similar results.
Will I be able to eat during radiotherapy?
In the later weeks of treatment, swallowing may become difficult because of soreness in the throat. Your nutrition is monitored closely, and a temporary feeding tube is used for support if needed.
How soon should treatment start?
The aim is to start without unnecessary delay once diagnosis and staging are complete; however, completing the investigations needed to plan treatment correctly is also important.
Does the dry mouth go away after treatment?
Dry mouth caused by radiotherapy lessens over the months in most people, although in some it remains to a degree. Drinking plenty of fluids and using artificial saliva products can ease the symptom.
When can I return to work?
This depends on the extent of treatment and the nature of your work. Many people return to daily life within a few weeks to a few months; your doctor will suggest a timeframe suited to you.
How long does follow-up continue?
Follow-up continues for a long time, more frequently in the first years and less often in later years; your doctor will set a schedule suited to you.
Lip Cancer
Why does a sore on the lip that does not heal matter?
A lip sore that does not heal for weeks, crusts over or bleeds can be an early sign of cancer and needs to be examined.
Who is most likely to develop lip cancer?
It is more common in people who have worked in the sun for many years, in tobacco users and in fair-skinned people; the lower lip is the area most often affected.
Can lip cancer be treated?
A lip cancer caught at an early stage is usually treated with surgery alone, and the aim is to preserve the appearance and function of the lip as far as possible.
How can a lip sore be distinguished from a cold sore?
A cold sore heals on its own within a short time; a sore that lasts for weeks, crusts over and reopens needs an examination and, if necessary, a biopsy.
Is a biopsy painful?
A biopsy is a short procedure performed under local anaesthesia; the area is numbed, and there may be mild tenderness afterwards.
Does every patient need imaging?
For small, superficial lesions examination and biopsy may be enough; imaging is requested when the lymph nodes of the neck and the depth of the tumour need to be assessed.
What is the most common type of lip cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma, which develops from the flat surface cells of the red part of the lip, accounts for the great majority of lip cancers.
What is the difference between stage and grade?
Stage describes how far the tumour has spread, while grade describes how closely the tumour cells resemble normal cells; together they guide the treatment plan.
How does the stage change the treatment plan?
In early stages surgery alone is usually sufficient; in advanced stages a neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy may be added.
How much of the lip is removed in surgery?
Only the tumour and an adequate margin of healthy tissue around it are removed; the amount depends on the size and depth of the tumour.
Are the neck lymph nodes removed in every operation?
No. In small, superficial tumours the neck is usually only monitored; in large or deep tumours, or when a suspicious lymph node is present, a neck dissection is planned.
Is radiotherapy needed after surgery?
It is not needed for most early-stage tumours; radiotherapy to complement surgery may be recommended when the surgical margins are close or the lymph nodes are involved.
Is the lip repaired during the same operation?
Usually yes; the gap left after the tumour is removed is closed in the same session. Some flap methods require a second small procedure a few weeks later.
Will my mouth close normally after reconstruction?
The main aim of reconstruction is for the mouth to close fully and to hold food; in most patients these functions are largely regained once healing is complete.
Will the scars remain noticeable?
Incisions are placed along the natural lines and folds of the lip wherever possible; scars usually fade over months and become less noticeable.
When can I return to normal food after surgery?
Liquid and soft foods are recommended in the first days; as the wound heals, usually within a few weeks, you gradually return to a normal diet.
Is numbness of the lip permanent?
Numbness after surgery is common and usually decreases over months as the nerve endings regrow; a small area of permanently reduced sensation may remain.
How long do the check-ups continue?
Regular check-ups continue for years; they are more frequent in the first years and less frequent later, and at each visit the lip, the mouth and the neck are examined.
Neck Cysts
Can a congenital neck cyst turn into cancer?
These cysts are benign, and a malignant change in them is extremely rare. Even so, every newly noticed lump in the neck should be assessed by examination and imaging.
If the cyst is congenital, why did it appear in adulthood?
The cyst has been present since birth but stayed small and silent. It usually enlarges and becomes obvious after an upper respiratory tract infection, and only then is it noticed.
Will antibiotic treatment make the cyst go away?
Antibiotics only settle the inflammation of the cyst; because the cyst wall remains in place, the swelling can return over time. The treatment is surgical removal of the cyst.
What is a branchial cleft cyst?
A branchial cleft cyst is a congenital cyst that appears on the side of the neck, usually just below the angle of the jaw. It results from incomplete closure of the branchial clefts during development in the womb, and may take the form of a closed sac (cyst), a channel open at one end (sinus) or a channel open at both ends (fistula).
How is a branchial cleft cyst treated?
The treatment is surgical removal of the cyst, and of its tract if present, in one piece; the operation is performed under general anaesthesia through an incision that follows the natural creases of the neck. During an inflamed period, the inflammation is treated first and the operation is planned for a period free of inflammation.
Why does a branchial cleft cyst appear in adulthood?
The cyst has been present since birth but stays small and silent. It is usually noticed when it swells during a throat infection, which is why some people receive the diagnosis only in adolescence or adulthood.
Can a cyst be watched without surgery?
Small cysts that cause no complaints can be observed for a while; however, the cyst does not disappear on its own and may swell again with every infection. The treatment is surgical removal.
Does the cyst come back after surgery?
When the cyst and its tract are removed in one piece, recurrence becomes less likely. Recurrence usually results from remnants left behind or from surgery performed during an inflamed period.
What is a thyroglossal duct cyst?
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital cyst that sits exactly in the midline of the neck, usually at the level of the hyoid bone. It forms when part of the duct that the thyroid gland follows during its descent in the womb remains open; it moves upwards on swallowing and when the tongue is stuck out.
How is a thyroglossal duct cyst diagnosed?
On examination, the midline position of the lump and its movement on swallowing are the typical findings. Ultrasound shows the structure of the cyst and checks whether the thyroid gland is in its normal position; MRI or CT may be requested to see the relationship of the cyst with the hyoid bone and the base of the tongue in detail.
Does a thyroglossal duct cyst go away on its own?
No. The cyst is a congenital remnant; it is treated by removing it surgically together with its duct, which makes recurrence less likely.
Does removing part of the hyoid bone during surgery affect speech?
Only the small middle portion of the hyoid bone is removed; this is usually not expected to affect speech, swallowing or neck movements permanently.
Does this cyst affect the thyroid gland?
The cyst is a structure separate from the thyroid gland and usually does not disturb its function. Before surgery, imaging checks whether the thyroid gland is in its normal position and healthy.
Is a dermoid cyst dangerous?
Dermoid cysts are benign. However, because they keep growing and can become inflamed, surgical removal is usually recommended.
Does dermoid cyst surgery leave a scar on the skin?
Cysts in the floor of the mouth are mostly removed through the mouth, without an incision in the skin. When a skin incision is needed, it is placed in the crease under the chin, and the scar usually fades over time.
How is a dermoid cyst told apart from a thyroglossal cyst?
Both can sit in the midline; however, a thyroglossal cyst moves upwards on swallowing, whereas a dermoid cyst stays in place. Ultrasound and, if needed, further imaging clarify the distinction.
Is every lump in the neck a cyst?
No. Enlarged lymph nodes, lesions arising from the salivary glands or thyroid, and other masses can also cause a lump in the neck. The distinction is made by the doctor through examination and imaging.
Is ultrasound enough for the diagnosis?
In most cysts, ultrasound shows the cystic structure. Further imaging and needle biopsy may be added for surgical planning or in doubtful cases.
Is a needle biopsy painful?
The procedure is done with a fine needle, takes a short time and is usually guided by ultrasound; you may feel a slight prick and brief discomfort.
Instead of surgery, can the cyst simply be drained?
Draining the contents of the cyst or its pus gives temporary relief; because the cyst wall stays in place, the swelling may form again. The treatment is removal of the cyst in one piece.
Is there a scar on the neck after surgery?
The incision is placed in the natural creases of the neck and the scar usually fades over time. In operations performed through the mouth, no incision is made in the skin.
When can I return to daily life after surgery?
Most people return to daily life within a few days. It is advisable to wait a few weeks before heavy exercise and movements that strain the neck.
What are the symptoms of Eagle syndrome?
Eagle syndrome presents as pain on one side of the throat that worsens on swallowing, yawning or turning the head and radiates to the ear on the same side. A foreign-body sensation in the throat and difficulty swallowing may accompany it; rarely there is dizziness, ringing in the ears or headache.
How is Eagle syndrome treated?
Treatment is planned according to the severity of the symptoms and how much they affect daily life. In mild cases, pain-relieving medication and injections targeted at the area can bring relief; if the symptoms persist, the elongated part of the styloid process is shortened in an operation performed through the mouth or through a small incision in the neck.
Is Eagle syndrome dangerous?
Its main effects are constant pain and difficulty swallowing, which can reduce quality of life. Because the elongated process can also press on blood vessels in the neck, the symptoms should be assessed at an examination. There are treatments to relieve the symptoms: medicines and injections, and surgery if the symptoms persist.
Does Eagle syndrome go away without surgery?
In mild cases, pain treatment and injections can bring relief. However, because the elongated bone remains in place, if the symptoms persist, surgery is considered.
Can Eagle syndrome affect both sides?
Yes. The styloid process may be elongated on both sides; however, the symptoms are mostly on one side and more pronounced there.
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