Oral Cavity Cancer Surgery

The Oral Cavity is essential for fundamental daily activities, including eating, speaking, and breathing. When cancer develops within the mouth, it requires prompt, highly specialized intervention. Oral cavity cancer most commonly originates as Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, though other tumor types can also occur.

Surgical removal is typically the primary treatment for oral cavity cancers. Serving patients across Metro Detroit and Dearborn, Dr. Hassan Nasser approaches oral cavity oncology with a dual commitment: achieving clear surgical margins to cure the disease, and employing state-of-the-art reconstructive techniques to restore the patient's appearance and quality of life.

What This Procedure Treats

Oral cavity cancer surgery addresses malignant and aggressive benign tumors located throughout the mouth. Common areas of involvement include:

Anatomical regions of the oral cavity where tumors may develop

• Oral Tongue: The front two-thirds of the tongue, which is highly mobile and critical for speech and swallowing.
• Floor of Mouth: The tissue located beneath the tongue.
• Lips: Both the upper and lower lips, often associated with sun exposure or tobacco use.
• Buccal Mucosa: The inner lining of the cheeks.
• Gums (Gingiva) and Hard Palate: The tissue surrounding the teeth and the bony roof of the mouth.
• Mandible and Maxilla: Tumors that have invaded the lower or upper jawbones.

Patients often seek consultation when they experience a persistent sore in the mouth that does not heal, a lump or thickening in the cheek, a white or red patch on the gums or tongue, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or a persistent sore throat. Early evaluation by a head and neck surgical oncologist is critical for an accurate diagnosis.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for most early-stage and many advanced-stage oral cavity cancers. Ideal candidates for surgery generally include individuals who:

• Have a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of oral cavity cancer or a highly suspicious premalignant lesion.
• Are in adequate overall health to safely undergo general anesthesia and the necessary surgical procedures.
• Have a tumor that can be completely removed with acceptable functional outcomes, often requiring concurrent reconstructive surgery.
• Are committed to the postoperative rehabilitation process, which may involve speech and swallowing therapy.

Your Consultation

A comprehensive consultation is the essential first step in your treatment journey. Dr. Nasser prioritizes transparency, patient education, and shared decision making. During your visit, you can expect:

Procedure Overview

Microvascular free flap reconstruction restores oral structure and function after tumor removal

Oral cavity cancer surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The exact nature of the procedure depends entirely on the tumor's size, location, and stage.

Tumor Resection: The primary goal is to remove the cancer completely, along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure no microscopic disease remains. Procedures may include partial Glossectomy (removal of part of the tongue), Mandibulectomy (removal of part of the lower jaw), or maxillectomy (removal of part of the upper jaw).

Neck Dissection: Because oral cavity cancers frequently spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a Neck Dissection is often performed simultaneously to remove these lymph nodes for therapeutic or staging purposes.

Immediate Reconstruction: Dr. Nasser’s fellowship training in microvascular reconstruction allows him to rebuild complex defects during the same operation. Using tissue transferred from another part of your body (such as the forearm, thigh, or lower leg bone), he reconstructs the tongue, floor of mouth, or jawbone to restore both structure and function immediately.

Recovery Expectations

Recovery following oral cavity cancer surgery varies widely based on the complexity of the resection and reconstruction.

With rehabilitation, many patients regain the ability to enjoy meals and return to normal eating

Hospital Stay: For minor resections, patients may go home the same day or after a brief overnight stay. For complex surgeries involving Free Flap reconstruction, patients typically remain in the hospital for 5 to 10 days for close monitoring of the reconstructed tissue and airway.

Nutrition and Breathing: Swelling in the mouth and throat is expected. Depending on the surgery, temporary feeding tubes may be utilized to ensure adequate nutrition while the mouth heals. In extensive cases, a temporary tracheostomy may be placed to protect the airway until swelling subsides.

Rehabilitation: Healing is a process. Speech and swallowing therapy begins early in the recovery phase. While initial communication and eating may be challenging, most patients experience significant functional improvement over several weeks to months as swelling decreases and they adapt to the reconstructed anatomy.

Alternative Treatment Options

While surgery is the primary treatment for the majority of oral cavity cancers, treatment recommendations are highly individualized. Alternative or complementary options may include:

• Radiation Therapy: May be used as a primary treatment for patients who are not surgical candidates, or more commonly, as an adjuvant (postoperative) treatment to eliminate any remaining microscopic cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy: Often combined with radiation therapy for advanced-stage tumors to increase effectiveness and control systemic disease.
• Clinical Trials: Participation in studies evaluating novel immunotherapies or treatment protocols for advanced or recurrent cancers.

Dr. Nasser participates in multidisciplinary tumor boards to ensure that every patient receives a comprehensive, evidence-based recommendation that considers all available treatment modalities.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Hassan Nasser

Treating oral cavity cancer requires a delicate balance between aggressive tumor removal and meticulous functional preservation. Dr. Nasser’s specialized fellowship training in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction provides him with the advanced skill set necessary to manage both aspects of care seamlessly.

Patients trust Dr. Nasser because of his commitment to evidence-based medicine, his transparent communication style, and his dedication to individualized treatment planning. He believes in empowering patients through education, ensuring that you and your family are active participants in the decision-making process from the initial consultation through long-term survivorship.

Patient Education & Resources

Explore our additional resources to learn more about head and neck surgery, recovery guidelines, and practice information:

Ready to take the next step?

Consultations available in Metro Detroit.