Head & Neck Surgery in Sydney

Head and neck surgery treats conditions of the thyroid, parathyroid glands, salivary glands, cervical lymph nodes and skin cancers of the head and neck. At Central Sydney ENT, our fellowship-trained surgeons use intraoperative nerve monitoring, multidisciplinary cancer planning and advanced reconstruction techniques to deliver safe, comprehensive surgical care.

Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Thyroidectomy is the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ at the base of the neck. ENT surgeons are ideally placed to perform thyroid surgery given their expertise in neck anatomy and nerve preservation.

Indications for Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary or anaplastic carcinoma confirmed or suspected on fine needle aspiration biopsy
Suspicious thyroid nodules: nodules with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III or IV) that require diagnostic lobectomy
Multinodular goitre: an enlarged thyroid causing compressive symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty or a visible neck mass
Graves disease: hyperthyroidism that has failed medical management or when radioactive iodine is not appropriate
Retrosternal goitre: thyroid enlargement extending behind the breastbone

Parathyroid Surgery (Parathyroidectomy)

Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more overactive parathyroid glands that produce excess parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing elevated blood calcium levels (primary hyperparathyroidism). This is the only definitive cure for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, muscle weakness, depression and difficulty concentrating. Many patients are diagnosed incidentally when elevated calcium is found on routine blood tests.

Salivary Gland Surgery

Parotidectomy

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland, located in front of and below each ear. Parotidectomy is performed for tumours (both benign and malignant), chronic infection, and stones that cannot be managed endoscopically.

The critical consideration in parotid surgery is the facial nerve, which runs through the gland and controls movement of the face. Our surgeons use continuous facial nerve monitoring throughout the procedure to protect this nerve. The incision is placed in front of and behind the ear, following the natural contours of the skin to minimise visible scarring.

The most common parotid tumour is pleomorphic adenoma, a benign growth that requires complete excision to prevent recurrence. Warthin tumour is the second most common benign parotid neoplasm. Malignant parotid tumours include mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma.

Submandibular Gland Excision

The submandibular glands sit beneath the jawline on each side. Excision is performed for recurrent stones and infections that have not responded to conservative management or sialendoscopy, and for tumours of the gland. The procedure uses an incision in the upper neck crease below the jaw, and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve is carefully identified and preserved.

Neck Dissection

Neck dissection is the systematic surgical removal of lymph nodes from defined regions of the neck. It is performed when cancer has spread (or is at high risk of spreading) to cervical lymph nodes. The procedure is tailored to the type and location of the primary cancer:

Selective neck dissection: removal of lymph node groups at highest risk based on the primary tumour location, preserving non-lymphatic structures
Modified radical neck dissection: more comprehensive lymph node removal while preserving key structures such as the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle where possible
Central compartment neck dissection: specifically for thyroid cancer, removing pre-tracheal and paratracheal lymph nodes

Neck dissection is commonly performed alongside thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, parotidectomy for parotid malignancy, and wide local excision for advanced skin cancers including melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

All suspected or confirmed head and neck cancers at Central Sydney ENT are discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. This brings together ENT surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, speech pathologists and clinical nurse specialists to develop an individualised treatment plan for each patient.

Our Surgeons

Head and neck surgery at Central Sydney ENT is led by Dr Sam Hwang, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with fellowship training in head and neck surgery. He manages the full spectrum of head and neck conditions, from benign thyroid nodules to complex cancer surgery with reconstruction.

Related Conditions

Head and neck surgery relates to several conditions treated at Central Sydney ENT:

Thyroid Nodules: lumps in the thyroid gland that may require biopsy or surgical removal
Thyroid Cancer: the most common endocrine malignancy, treated with thyroidectomy
Parathyroid Disease: overactive parathyroid glands causing elevated calcium
Parotid Tumours: benign and malignant growths of the parotid salivary gland
Salivary Gland Stones: calculi in the submandibular or parotid ducts
Neck Lumps: masses in the neck requiring investigation and often surgical excision
Skin Cancer (Head & Neck): BCC, SCC and melanoma of the head and neck region
Head & Neck Cancer: cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and salivary glands

Common Questions

Head & Neck Surgery FAQ

What does head and neck surgery involve? +

Head and neck surgery encompasses operations on the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, salivary glands (parotid and submandibular), lymph nodes of the neck, and skin cancers of the head, face and neck. ENT surgeons who subspecialise in this area manage both benign and malignant conditions of these structures.

How long is the recovery after thyroid surgery? +

Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights after thyroidectomy. Recovery at home takes one to two weeks before returning to office-based work, and four to six weeks before resuming heavy physical activity. Blood tests to check calcium and thyroid hormone levels are performed in the days and weeks following surgery.

Will I have a visible scar after neck surgery? +

Incisions for thyroid, parathyroid and neck dissection surgery are placed within natural skin creases of the neck and typically heal into a fine, well-concealed scar. Parotid surgery incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear, blending with the natural contour of the ear and jawline. Scar appearance continues to improve over 6 to 12 months.

What is a neck dissection and when is it needed? +

Neck dissection is the surgical removal of lymph nodes from the neck, performed when cancer has spread or is at risk of spreading to the cervical lymph nodes. It is commonly required for thyroid cancer, skin cancer (particularly melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma), and cancers of the mouth, throat and salivary glands.

Does Central Sydney ENT treat head and neck cancers? +

Yes. Dr Sam Hwang leads head and neck surgery at Central Sydney ENT, with fellowship training in the field, and manages thyroid cancer, salivary gland tumours, skin cancers of the head and neck, and other malignancies of this region. Complex cases are discussed at multidisciplinary team meetings. We operate across seven Sydney locations including Burwood, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Ultimo, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill and Miranda.