Surgery for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer

The type of surgery you have depends on the size and location of your cancer.

Reconstructive surgery repairs an area in the mouth or oropharynx where you might have had surgery to remove a large cancer.

Cancers of the mouth and oropharynx can sometimes block a part of your throat, affecting your breathing and eating. You might need an operation to help with this.

Cancers of the mouth and oropharynx can spread to lymph nodes in your neck. Your surgeon might remove some or all of the lymph nodes in your neck.

Before your surgery, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team.

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.

Your recovery depends on the type of surgery you have and your general health.

There is a risk of problems or complications after surgery for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. Many are minor but some can be serious. Treating them as soon as possible is important.