Oral, head, and neck cancer surgery is a specialized field within surgical oncology that focuses on the treatment of cancers affecting the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, and surrounding areas of the head and neck. These cancers can arise from various tissues, including the mucosal lining, salivary glands, thyroid gland, and lymph nodes.
Surgery plays a significant role in the treatment of oral, head, and neck cancers, and the specific approach depends on factors such as the location and extent of the tumor, as well as the overall health and preferences of the patient. The goals of surgery may include removing the cancerous tissue while preserving function and aesthetics as much as possible, as well as achieving negative margins (complete removal of cancer cells).
Common surgical procedures for oral, head, and neck cancer include:
- Tumor resection: Surgeons remove the cancerous growth along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
- Neck dissection: Lymph nodes in the neck may be removed to check for the spread of cancer.
- Reconstructive surgery: Following tumor removal, reconstructive surgery may be performed to restore the appearance and function of the affected area. This may involve techniques such as skin grafts, local tissue flaps, or microvascular free tissue transfer.
- Laryngectomy: In cases of laryngeal cancer, the voice box may need to be removed, requiring reconstructive surgery to restore speech and swallowing function.
- Mandibulectomy or maxillectomy: These procedures involve the removal of part of the jawbone (mandible) or upper jaw (maxilla) affected by cancer.
- Parotidectomy: Removal of the parotid gland, which is a common site for salivary gland tumors.
In addition to surgery, treatment for oral, head, and neck cancer may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
As with any cancer treatment, a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, speech therapists, nutritionists, and other specialists is often necessary to provide comprehensive care and support to patients throughout their treatment journey.
