- Surgical removal of a Neck Mass – An Enlarged lymph node or a mass in the neck region can be a benign presence or it can be a harbinger of cancer. It may also suggest spread of disease from other sites in the body. Therefore, it is critical to have these unwanted growths evaluated by a head and neck surgeon in order to formulate a plan of treatment that is appropriate for each particular disease. Dr. Falsafi is uniquely trained in this regard and uses a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach in order to address the needs of each patient. Needle biopsies may be combined with surgical removal and a variety of imaging modalities (e.g. CT, MRI, PET Scan, etc.) in order to correctly diagnose and treat each condition. In the case of cancer, the need for combined modality treatment such as radiation or chemo therapy is determined early on and implemented using a multi-disciplinary team like approach which involves the participation of oncology colleagues. Benign masses in the neck are frequently encountered. Their make up varies and may include a number of different congenital cysts. Their location commonly predicts the nature of the mass and serves as a guiding principle for their surgical removal.
- Salivary gland surgery – Salivary gland dysfunction can be manifest in several ways. Common complaints from the patient may include excessive saliva (Sialorrhea) due to a benign condition known as Ptyalism (drooling). Alternatively, the complaint may be a dry mouth due to a condition known as Xerostomia. Surgery entailing the removal of salivary glands under general anesthesia or obtaining diagnostic biopsies in the office under local anesthesia is undertaken to help diagnose and treat these salivary gland disorders. Salivary gland enlargement may be due to the presence of an abnormal growth or a stone obstructing the draining ducts. A variety of diagnostic modalities including needle biopsy under local anesthesia and imaging studies are carefully planned by Dr. Falsafi in order to diagnose the condition. In those cases where tumor presence is suspect surgical removal is performed. If an obstructive salivary duct stone is determined to be the cause of salivary gland enlargement then removal of the stone and/or the gland is undertaken.
Dr. Falsafi's office in Lafayette, CA is conveniently located near the following: