Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, affects the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, tonsils, and back of the throat. When detected early, mouth cancer can often be effectively treated through surgery along with other therapies. Here, the best head and neck cancer doctor in Kolkata highlights some of the surgical options to treat mouth cancer.

Surgeries for mouth cancer:

During surgery for mouth cancer, the goal is to remove the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue around it. This helps ensure no cancerous cells are left behind. The surgeon carefully examines the interior of the mouth first to determine the boundaries for tissue removal. Based on the location and size of the tumour, different surgical approaches may be used.

For small tumours, a simple excision to cut out the cancerous tissue may suffice. Larger tumours often require a maxillectomy or mandibulectomy, which are procedures to remove part of the jawbone where the cancer is present. Lymph nodes near the cancer are also tested and may be excised to prevent further spreading. After cancerous tissue is extracted, reconstructive surgery can be performed to restore the structure and appearance of the mouth region. Skin, muscle and lining from other parts of the body are grafted to rebuild the jawbone and oral cavity. Dental implants can also be inserted to replace lost teeth.

The aftermath of surgery:

Recovery time after surgery depends on the procedure's extent but can take weeks or months. However, regular check-ups with the head and neck cancer surgeon are key, as mouth cancer has a risk of returning. Thankfully, when detected early, surgical removal results in very high survival rates for mouth cancer patients.

So if you notice any strange lumps, lesions or red/white patches in your mouth, reach out to the best head and neck cancer doctor right away for screening - early identification and surgery provide the best odds for treating mouth cancer.

Though surgery may sound intensive, it is often the most effective approach for eliminating mouth cancer. By surgically removing malignant growths in the oral cavity, doctors can help curb the disease's spread and give patients a strong chance at recovery. So don't delay on getting concerning mouth issues evaluated.