Surgery for a Mouth or Throat Tumor
Surgery may be done to remove either a benign or a cancerous tumor. Your health care team will let you know what to expect. They’ll also discuss the possible risks and complications of the surgery.
The Surgical Plan
Your surgery may take from a few minutes to several hours. At the start, you’ll receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgery can include:
-
Removing the tumor. If the tumor is benign, you may need no further treatment after it’s removed. If the tumor is cancerous, you may also need radiation or chemotherapy.
-
Helping you breathe while the tumor is removed. To do this, a small hole may be made in the front of your throat. A tracheostomy (trach) tube may be inserted through this hole to help you breathe.
-
Removing some lymph nodes from your neck if your tumor is cancerous. This procedure (called neck dissection) can help keep the cancer from spreading.
-
Using tissue from your back or chest to replace tissue removed during the surgery. If necessary, this can help you regain better use of your mouth, throat, or neck after treatment.
Risks and Complications
Some of the risks and complications of surgery include:
-
Infection
-
Bleeding
-
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
-
Pain or numbness at the incision site
-
Loss of muscle tone or range of motion in your face, neck, or arm
-
Reduced sense of taste, smell, or feeling
-
Change in appearance
|
Publication Source:
Garantziotis S, Critical Care Clinics, 19(1), Critical care of the head and neck patient, Jan 1, 2003, pp 73-90
Publication Source:
Lee, N; Chan, K, Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 2nd ed., Chapter 22 - Benign & Malignant Lesions of the Oral Cavity, Oropharynx & Nasopharanx, 2008, pp 356-373
Online Source:
The Ohio State University Medical Center
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mens_health/oral_cancer/
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ryan, Matthew W., MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/2/2004
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002