Surgery for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Surgery is one of the main treatments for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. You might have surgery alone or with other treatments, for example, radiotherapy. Or you may have it to relieve symptoms, such as difficulty eating.
Types of surgery
The type of surgery you have depends on the size and location of your cancer.
Reconstructive surgery for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Reconstructive surgery repairs an area in the mouth or oropharynx where you might have had surgery to remove a large cancer.
Surgery to help you breathe or eat
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.
Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in your neck
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 operation for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Before your surgery, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team.
On the day of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer surgery
You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.
After mouth and oropharyngeal cancer surgery
Your recovery depends on the type of surgery you have and your general health.
Problems after mouth and oropharyngeal cancer surgery
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.
