Head & Neck Cancer Surgeries

Oral Cancer Surgery (Tongue, Cheek, Gums, Jaw)

Oral cancer surgery is a specialized medical procedure performed to remove cancerous tissues from different parts of the mouth, including the tongue, inner cheek, gums, lips, and jaw.

What is Oral Cancer Surgery?

Oral cancer surgery is a specialized medical procedure performed to remove cancerous tissues from different parts of the mouth, including the tongue, inner cheek, gums, lips, and jaw.

It is one of the most effective treatments for oral cancer, especially when the disease is detected at an early stage. The primary goal is to completely eliminate the tumor while preserving normal function.

Tumor Elimination

Complete removal of cancerous cells with precision.

Function Preservation

Focused on speech, chewing, and facial aesthetics.

Oral Surgery

Areas Affected by Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can develop in multiple regions, and each location requires a specific surgical approach.

Tongue

Cancer often develops on sides of tongue causing pain issues

Inner Cheeks

Inner cheek lining may develop ulcers swelling and cancerous growths

Gums

Cancer in gums can cause bleeding swelling and tooth loosening

Lips

Lip cancer appears as sores lumps or discoloration on lips

Floor of Mouth

Area under tongue may develop swelling pain or cancerous lesions

Palate

Hard or soft palate may develop tumors affecting speech swallowing

Jawbone

Jawbone cancer affects structure causing pain swelling and facial deformity

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Recognize the warning signs early.

URGENT EVALUATION:

If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.

  • Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
  • Red or white patches inside the mouth
  • Pain or numbness in the mouth or tongue
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • Loose teeth without obvious cause
  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Changes in voice
Seek Medical Evaluation Immediately

Contact our oncology specialists for a comprehensive screening.

Step 01: Pre-Surgical Process

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Before planning surgery, our oncology team performs a detailed diagnosis to confirm the precise stage and location of the cancer.

01
Clinical Examination

Thorough physical inspection of the mouth, throat, and neck area for visible anomalies.

02
Biopsy

A tissue sample is extracted and examined under a microscope for definitive confirmation.

03
Imaging Tests

Advanced CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to assess tumor size and potential spread (metastasis).

04
Blood Tests

Comprehensive laboratory tests to evaluate the patient's overall health and surgical fitness.

These diagnostic tools are crucial in creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Types of Oral Cancer Surgery

Specialized surgical procedures designed to target cancer while preserving functionality and quality of life.

01
Glossectomy

Removing part or all of the tongue. Partial glossectomy aims to preserve speech and swallowing functions.

02
Mandibulectomy

Surgery for the lower jaw (mandible). Reconstruction is often done using bone grafts or implants.

03
Maxillectomy

Performed when cancer affects the upper jaw (maxilla), involving removal of the affected bone portion.

04
Tumor Resection

Complete surgical removal of the tumor along with a safety margin of healthy tissue.

05
Neck Dissection

Removal of lymph nodes in the neck to prevent the cancer from spreading further.

06
Reconstructive Surgery

Restoring appearance and function using tissue grafts or flaps after tumor removal.

Expert Surgeon
--+ Yrs Exp
Dr. Vimmi Gautam
MBBS, MS (ENT & Head and Neck Surgery), M.Ch (Head & Neck Oncology) | Medanta Hospital, Noida
Priority Consultation

Book Your Consultation Today

Early diagnosis saves lives. If you are experiencing any symptoms of oral cancer or need expert consultation, don’t delay.

Recovery After Oral Cancer Surgery

Recovery is a personalized journey. While full recovery depends on the case complexity, here are the general guidelines our team follows to ensure your well-being.

Hospital Stay

Usually ranges from 5–10 days for monitoring and initial healing support.

Dietary Transition

Initial phase involves a liquid or soft diet to minimize strain on the surgical area.

Pain Management

Personalized medication plans are provided to manage discomfort effectively during healing.

Specialized Therapy

If required, Speech and Swallowing therapy is provided to restore normal functions.

Regular Follow-ups

Consistent monitoring through scheduled visits ensures long-term recovery success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral cancer surgery?

Oral cancer surgery is a procedure to remove cancerous tissues from areas like the tongue, cheek, gums, or jaw. It helps eliminate the tumor and prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Is oral cancer surgery painful?

The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, mild to moderate pain may occur, which can be managed with medications prescribed by your doctor.

How long does it take to recover from oral cancer surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the stage of cancer. Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks, but complete healing and rehabilitation may take longer in complex cases.

Will I be able to speak and eat normally after surgery?

In many cases, patients regain normal speech and eating abilities over time. However, if a large portion of tissue is removed, speech therapy and dietary adjustments may be required during recovery.

What is the success rate of oral cancer surgery?

The success rate is higher when oral cancer is detected early. Early-stage oral cancer surgery has a high success rate, while advanced cases may require additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.