If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, our dentists may recommend a surgical treatment to remove the cancer and help you begin regaining your health. The goal of surgery is to remove the oral cancer while also preserving your physical appearance and your ability to speak and swallow. General anesthesia is typically used for your procedure to ensure your comfort, and in many cases, oral cancer surgery is performed in a hospital. Recovery times for procedures vary depending on the type of procedure and whether any reconstructive surgery is needed.

Our dentists will work closely with you and your medical physician to determine the extent of your oral cancer and create a treatment plan. We will review all your options with you so that you can make informed decisions regarding your care and can find the type of oral cancer surgery that is right for your needs.

Common types of oral cancer surgery include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor — Often referred to as “wide resection,” this type of procedure involves cutting away the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue that surrounds it to ensure all the cancerous cells have been removed. Smaller cancers may be removed through minor surgery, but large tumors may require more extensive procedures that include removing portions of your jawbone or tongue or some of the surrounding teeth.
• Surgery to remove cancer that has spread to the neck — Also known as “neck dissection,” this procedure is recommended to remove lymph nodes and determine if any additional treatments are needed after your surgery. This procedure is often performed in addition to a wide resection.
• Reconstructive surgery — After the operation to remove your cancer, our dentists may recommend a reconstructive procedure to help rebuild your mouth and restore your ability to speak and eat. This may include transplanting grafts of skin, muscle or bone, as well as placing dental implants.
• Temporary tracheostomy — Extensive surgery to remove oral cancer may cause swelling in the mouth and nearby tissues, including the back of the throat. If this swelling interferes with your breathing, our dentists may perform a temporary tracheostomy to avoid blocking your airway and allow you to breathe without using your nose or mouth.

Following your surgical procedure, we will work closely with you to help you recover and return to normal life.

For more information about oral cancer surgery and to schedule a consultation with our dentists, contact our office today.