Few things in life must be as scary as getting an oral cancer diagnosis. However, after the immediate panic response, it’s time to start looking for solutions. There are various approaches for treating oral cancer, and getting Plantation oral surgery is one of them.
In this article, we’ll go over what this entails, exploring the surgery options for patients with oral cancer.
Types of Surgeries for Oral Cancer
Surgery is a typical treatment for oral cancer at an advanced stage. Depending on the location, size, stage of the cancer, and your overall health, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following procedures:
Tumor Removal
The first step in treating oral cancer is often the surgical removal of the tumor. This procedure involves excising the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Removing some of the healthy tissue helps ensure all cancer cells are eliminated, reducing the risk of the cancer spreading or recurring.
The extent of the tissue removal depends on the size and location of the tumor. This procedure can range from minor surgery to extensive operations that require significant reconstruction afterward.
Neck Dissection
When cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, or if there is a significant risk of such spread, a neck dissection is typically advised. This surgery involves removing lymph nodes and sometimes surrounding tissues in the neck.
The extent of the dissection can vary, ranging from selective removal of a few nodes to a more comprehensive dissection of all lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck. This procedure helps to prevent the further spread of cancer and is often combined with other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction may be necessary following the removal of a tumor to restore the structure and function of the jaw and oral cavity. This can involve using tissue grafts, bone grafts, or dental implants to rebuild areas affected by the cancer removal. Reconstruction aims to improve both the aesthetic appearance and the functional aspects, such as swallowing, chewing, and speech.
Advanced techniques in microsurgery and tissue engineering have significantly improved the outcomes of these reconstructive procedures, offering patients better quality of life post-surgery.
Ready to Learn More About Plantation Oral Surgery?
Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes when it comes to oral cancer.
If you see any symptoms that could indicate oral cancer, get in touch! An expert from Oral Facial Reconstruction can advise on the best course of action moving forward.
