Mouth Cancer

Cancer of the mouth and throat is relatively rare. Mouth cancer covers cancer that begins anywhere in the oral area, including the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining, floor or roof of the mouth. The oropharynx is the medical name for the upper part of the throat that is connected to the mouth. Cancers in this area are called oropharyngeal cancers and can quickly spread to the lymph nodes situated in the neck.

Mouth cancer surgery

Your treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and you may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon such as Mr Afshin Yousefpour if surgery is your best option. Scans and tests will be performed to indicate exactly which tissues are affected and to what extent, as the aim of surgery is to remove only what is necessary.

What does mouth cancer surgery involve?

Typically, this is performed under a general anaesthetic as Mr Yousefpour removes the cancerous tissue. This can be a case of removing part of your jawbone, the bones in the roof of your mouth, layers of your lip or removing part or all of your tongue or voice box.

Depending on the size and position of the tumour it may be possible to operate through the mouth, but it may be necessary to access the tumour through the neck or jawbone. If bone is removed then the area may need to be reconstructed with flaps, grafts or other materials.