Over the last four years, otolaryngologists at the Mayo Clinic have gained extensive experience using robotic surgery to remove tumors of the tonsils and base of the tongue. In a recent study, a team of head and neck surgeons investigated whether a robotic approach can also be useful in treating cancer in the narrow, hard-to-reach area in the throat beyond the tongue. “We found that the robot was a very effective tool for removing tumors of the supraglottic larynx, the part of the voice box above the vocal cords,” says Kerry Olsen, M.D., Mayo Clinic otolaryngologist and senior author of the study that was presented April 29 at the Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meetings in Chicago.
In this video, Dr. Olsen describes the study, following nine patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery for removal of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The findings showed that the approach can provide excellent cancer outcomes with minimal surgical complications. It also offered patients long-term preservation of throat functions, like speaking and swallowing. With further study involving larger groups of patients and long-term follow-up, robotic surgery may be another treatment option for removing cancers of the upper throat.
Dear Dr.Olsen
I am an Oncologist from Seattle area and have developed some lumps in my left Tonsillar area. While brushing my teeth,I noticed some blood. I also have persistent soreness in that area. I do not feel any Lymph node enlargement. I do have a Geogrphic tongue on the same side. I have altered taste and sore tongue for the last several years. This I feel is from B12 deficiency ( with low B12 level and elevated Methyl Malonic acid). My vitamin D level was 13 (very low) and since I have been treated for both Vit D and B12 with improvement in my Peripheral Neuropathy (still have persistent numbness and some weakness in my lower extremities)
I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in Dec of 2008 and underwent Radical Robotic prostetectomy at Swedish hospital in Seattle. My post operative course was uneventful and did-not require adjuvant radiation as the margins were clear.
I have not had a biopsy yet of my Tonsil or any imaging studies. I was hoping to get it all at Mayo clinical, as it may require special handling of the tissue for HPV 16 analysis?
I have checked with my Health insurance and you are a listed provider for Premera, Life wise of Washington
Please let me know if I can make an appointment right away.
Thank you for your help
Yours Sincerely
Mukund Sargur
Cell 206 335 5511
T 425 885 2609
f 425 558 2762
Please go to this link for appointment numbers and call the site of your choice: http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html