Oral Cavity Surgery

Oral cancer surgery is the primary treatment for most cases of mouth cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. There are different types of oral cancer surgery depending on the location and size of the tumor. Here’s a breakdown:

* **Wide Local Excision:** This is the most common type, where surgeons remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.

* **Laser Surgery:** In some cases, surgeons may use a laser to remove very small tumors.

* **Mohs Micrographic Surgery:** This is a specialized technique used for cancers on the lips or other areas where preserving as much tissue as possible is crucial. It involves removing thin layers of tissue one at a time until all cancerous cells are gone.

* **More Extensive Surgeries:** Depending on the location of the tumor, more complex surgeries might be required. This could involve removal of part of the jawbone (mandibolectomy), the hard palate (maxillectomy), or even the tongue (glossectomy).

* **Reconstructive Surgery:** Sometimes, after removing large areas of tissue, reconstructive surgery is needed to restore function and appearance. This may involve using skin or bone grafts from other parts of the body.

**Remember:** A doctor will determine the most appropriate type of surgery based on your specific situation.

Oral cancer surgery is the primary treatment for most cases of mouth cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. There are different types of oral cancer surgery depending on the location and size of the tumor. Here’s a breakdown:

* **Wide Local Excision:** This is the most common type, where surgeons remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.

* **Laser Surgery:** In some cases, surgeons may use a laser to remove very small tumors.

* **Mohs Micrographic Surgery:** This is a specialized technique used for cancers on the lips or other areas where preserving as much tissue as possible is crucial. It involves removing thin layers of tissue one at a time until all cancerous cells are gone.

* **More Extensive Surgeries:** Depending on the location of the tumor, more complex surgeries might be required. This could involve removal of part of the jawbone (mandibolectomy), the hard palate (maxillectomy), or even the tongue (glossectomy).

* **Reconstructive Surgery:** Sometimes, after removing large areas of tissue, reconstructive surgery is needed to restore function and appearance. This may involve using skin or bone grafts from other parts of the body.

**Remember:** A doctor will determine the most appropriate type of surgery based on your specific situation.