Mouth, Jaw & Throat Surgery

Surgical treatment for mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is another name for oral cancer. The most common type of mouth cancer starts in the cells that line the mouth. These are called squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). This can affect the lips, tongue, gums, jaw and lining of the mouth. They can also affect the throat (throat cancer).  

Mouth cancer can also grow in the minor salivary glands (salivary gland cancer) and other structures in the oral cavity. Cancer that starts in the mouth has the potential to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Surgery is often recommended to remove the parts of the mouth affected by cancer. This may include removing part or all of the tongue, lower jaw (mandible) and upper jaw (maxilla). When the cancer has spread, or there is a risk of spreading, the lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed.

What does surgery for mouth cancer involve?

Many cancers of the mouth, jaw and throat require removal of the cancer, removal of lymph nodes in the neck and often reconstructive surgery. Dr Wykes performs all types of oral cancer surgery as part of a multidisciplinary care team specialising in head and neck cancer treatment.

Some early cancer or precancers can be removed with smaller surgery and may involve the CO2 laser – a technique that uses laser technology for precise incisions and faster post-operative recovery. For more complex cases involving jaw surgery and reconstruction, Dr Wykes uses virtual surgical planning to accurately plan procedures. This allows Dr Wykes to simulate all parts of the surgery – including any bony resections, reconstruction of bony segments, and placement of dental implants to allow for restoration of teeth – to achieve the best outcomes for each patient.

While some oral cancers can be treated with surgery alone, you may need extra treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. 

Surgery for other mouth conditions

There are many other conditions that affect the mouth and throat that may require surgery as part of your treatment. Many of these conditions are either not cancerous or may be pre-cancerous. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Jaw tumours and cysts sometimes form in the jawbone or soft tissues in the mouth and face.

• When they form in the tooth forming tissues of the jaw they are referred to as odontogenic tumours.

• These types of cysts are usually non-cancerous but they can grow aggressively and damage the surrounding bone, tissue or teeth.

• Surgery to remove the tumour or cyst may also involve removing affected teeth, tissue and bone.

• Reconstructive surgery may be needed to support your recovery and help you maintain important mouth functions including speech, chewing and swallowing.

• Leukoplakia is a condition where white patches or spots (lesions) form inside the mouth.

• These may form on or underneath the tongue or inside the cheeks. 

• Some leukoplakias develop into cancer if not properly treated.

• Removing the lesions (either by surgery or other treatments) is often recommended to prevent leukoplakia from becoming cancer. 

• Almost all cancers found in the mouth are squamous cell carcinomas, which start in the flat, thin cells that form the lining of the mouth and throat.

• The earliest form of squamous cell cancer is called carcinoma in situ. 

• Surgery to remove the top layers of tissue, along with a small margin of normal tissue, is usually recommended as the first stage of treatment.