Oral Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, or palate. It commonly begins as abnormal cell growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body if untreated. Oral cancer is a serious condition but can be effectively treated when diagnosed early.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Recognising the early signs of oral cancer is critical for timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- Lumps or thickening of tissues inside the mouth or on the lips
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness in the mouth or lips
- Unexplained bleeding or loose teeth
- Swelling or lumps in the neck region
What Are the Types of Oral Cancer?
Understanding the different types of oral cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment. The most common types include:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most prevalent type, accounting for over 90% of oral cancers. It originates in the flat, thin cells lining the mouth and throat.
- Verrucous Carcinoma: A slow-growing type of squamous cell cancer with a wart-like appearance, usually found in the cheeks and gums.
- Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas: These rare cancers develop in the small salivary glands located throughout the lining of the mouth and throat. Examples include mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
- Lymphomas: Oral cancers that begin in the lymphoid tissues, particularly in the tonsils or base of the tongue.
- Melanomas: Though rare in the oral cavity, melanomas can appear as dark pigmented lesions on the gums or roof of the mouth.
- Sarcomas: These cancers develop in the connective tissues of the mouth, such as muscle, bone, or cartilage.
Treatment for Oral Cancer
The cornerstone of oral cancer treatment is surgical management, which is carefully tailored to the type, size, and stage of the tumour. Two primary procedures are commonly performed as part of this treatment approach:
Tumour Resection
This involves the surgical removal of the cancerous tumour along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete excision and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Neck Dissection
In cases where there is a risk or presence of lymph node involvement, neck dissection is performed to remove affected lymph nodes in the neck region. This helps in staging the cancer accurately and preventing its spread.
What is Tumour Resection?
Tumour resection is a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous growth with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision. The extent depends on the tumour size and location, sometimes involving parts of the jaw, tongue, or oral mucosa. This surgery helps eliminate the primary source of cancer.
What is Neck Dissection?
ancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. Neck dissection involves the removal of these lymph nodes to prevent metastasis. There are various types of neck dissection:
- Selective Neck Dissection: Targets only high-risk lymph nodes.
- Modified Radical Neck Dissection: Removes most lymph nodes but preserves important nerves and muscles.
- Radical Neck Dissection: Extensive removal of lymph nodes, muscles, veins, and nerves.
Lymph node removal neck surgery helps control cancer spread and improves survival.
What is Neck Dissection?
Different neck incisions for neck dissection like L-shaped or S-shaped provide access while aiming to minimise visible scars and preserve neck function.
At our centre, we offer expert oral cancer treatment in India, focusing on surgical tumour removal and neck dissection, followed by reconstruction to restore appearance and function.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless forms)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation
- Age over 40
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
Understanding these risk factors can help in early detection and prevention.
Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery:
- Comprehensive evaluation including imaging, biopsy, and lab tests
- Discussion of treatment plan and expected outcomes
- Pre-surgical assessments by oncologists and anesthesiologists
- Counseling and preparation for surgery and rehabilitation
During Surgery:
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Tumor resection and, if necessary, neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes
- Reconstruction of the oral cavity may be performed in the same sitting
- Surgical duration depends on the extent of disease and complexity of reconstruction
After Surgery:
- Monitoring in a recovery unit or ICU depending on the complexity
- Pain control and wound care
- Initiation of feeding through alternative routes if necessary (e.g., feeding tube)
- Early initiation of physiotherapy, speech, and swallowing therapy
- Regular assessment by the surgical and rehabilitation teams
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
Recovery after oral cancer resection and reconstruction is gradual but highly structured:
- Hospital stay typically ranges from 5–10 days, depending on the surgery
- Full recovery may take several weeks to months
- Regular follow-up for wound healing, oral function, and oncological review
- Emotional and psychological support throughout recovery
- Nutritional counseling to aid healing and maintain strength
- Long-term lifestyle changes, including cessation of tobacco and alcohol use
When to Consult a Doctor for Oral Cancer?
Consult an oral surgeon or oncologist if you experience:
- Persistent mouth sores or lumps lasting more than two weeks
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent pain in the mouth or throat
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness
- Swelling in the neck or unexplained weight loss
Early consultation improves treatment success and reduces complications.
Our USPs
Expert
Care
Led by a Board Certified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon with 20+ years of experience.
Prime
Location
Conveniently located in Vesu, the prime locality of Surat.
Expert
Care
Upholding the highest level of privacy and confidentiality for all our clients.
Specialized
Care
Expert Urologist and Andrologist, Plastic Surgeon, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Dietician.
FAQs - Oral Cancer Resection and Reconstruction
Is orthognathic surgery painful?
Symptoms include persistent sores, lumps, pain in mouth or ear, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained bleeding.
What is tumour resection in oral cancer?
Surgical removal of the tumour with healthy tissue margins to prevent recurrence.
Why is neck dissection important?
It removes lymph nodes to prevent cancer spread and improve survival rates.
What are the risks of oral cancer surgery?
Risks include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, and temporary difficulties in speech or swallowing.
When should I see a doctor for oral cancer?
If you notice persistent oral sores, lumps, pain, or neck swelling lasting over two weeks.
Tested by Many, Loved by Everyone
Elegance Superspeciality Dental Clinic
210, Trinity business Park,
Madhuvan Circle,
LP Savani Rd,
Adajan, Surat, Gujarat 395009