Oral Cancer Surgery Pre- and Post-Operative Guide: Considerations for Appearance Alterations and Transplant Surgery

The primary treatments for oral cancer are surgery and radiotherapy, sometimes supplemented with other therapies to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, surgical resection of oral cancer may raise concerns about changes in appearance. What should patients consider before surgery? Will the surgery cause disfigurement? Is transplant surgery necessary?

Pre-Surgery Considerations for Oral Cancer Patients:

1. Dental Check-Up Before Treatment
   During oral cancer treatment, the mouth may become sensitive, painful, and prone to infection. A dentist will assess the patient’s dental health and provide guidance on protecting teeth and gums. Therefore, patients are advised to undergo a comprehensive dental examination to address any dental issues beforehand. The treating dentist should have extensive experience in oral and throat cancers.

2. Immediate Smoking Cessation
   Patients who smoke must quit immediately. Continued smoking increases treatment side effects and the risk of cancer recurrence or metastasis.

3. Why Remove Lymph Nodes If Tests Show No Spread?
   Lymph nodes may contain trace amounts of cancer cells undetectable during initial tests. To ensure complete cancer removal, surgeons may remove lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck. Before surgery, doctors will explain the procedure, the affected area, the extent of resection, and potential short- or long-term impacts. Patients will also learn about necessary rehabilitation, such as speech therapy.

Will Oral Cancer Surgery Cause Disfigurement?
Depending on the tumor’s location and the resection extent, scars on the face or neck may be unavoidable. If disfigurement is significant, doctors may recommend reconstructive surgery. Potential transplant or reconstruction methods include:

• Skin Grafting:Skin from the patient’s arm or chest may be used to cover excised facial areas.
• Bone Grafting:If the jawbone is affected and partially removed, bone grafts from the patient’s body may be used.
• Reconstructive Surgery:Advanced techniques can restore cheekbones post-resection, often with minimal visible changes.
• Artificial Bone Implants:Synthetic bone substitutes can replace resected facial bones, eliminating the need for grafts. Modern implants are highly customized, functional, and aesthetically natural.

Understanding the scope of surgery and its potential consequences is critical before undergoing oral cancer treatment. If you suspect oral cancer or require consultation, please contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre  (Tel: 3100 0555). Our ENT specialists have extensive experience in treating oral and throat cancers and will help tailor a suitable treatment plan.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

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