Cancer Resection
A cancer resection is a commonly performed procedure that is done when there is cancerous tissue in any part of the oral cavity. The cancer tissues can come in many forms and regions within the mouth. Depending on the specifics of the nature and location of the cancer, a patient may undergo one or more of the following procedures:
• Glossectomy: This is a procedure done in order to remove cancerous tissues from the tongue.
• Mandibulectomy: For cancers that typically appear at the floor of the mouth or near the lower gums, removal of parts or entire segments of the mandible is required.
• Removal of Lymph Nodes: If cancerous tissue is present in the mouth, they tend to spread to nearby lymph nodes, the nearest of which are in the neck. Lymph nodes that contain, or have a high likelihood of containing cancer are removed to decrease the possibility of cancer returning in the future.
• Once the cancer is removed, several follow-up procedures may be done to correct any deformities in the face that arise from the previous procedures that removed the cancerous tissues.