Does tumour removal surgery treat mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also called oral cavity cancer, can affect the tongue, gums, inner cheek, floor of the mouth or other nearby areas. Surgery may remove the tumour and a rim of healthy-looking tissue. If lymph nodes in the neck are a concern, the surgeon may discuss a separate neck procedure. Larger operations can require reconstruction to support chewing, swallowing or appearance. Radiotherapy or medicines may be added according to the tissue findings and scan results.

Ask how the proposed operation may affect speech, chewing, swallowing and the movement of your tongue or jaw. A specialist may arrange imaging, dental review and nutrition or speech assessment before treatment. Tell the team about dentures, dental infections, medicines and tobacco or alcohol use. Follow any mouth-care instructions and arrange practical help for meals and appointments while you recover.

Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, heavy mouth bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling or choking. After surgery, contact the team quickly for fever, worsening pain, foul drainage, wound separation or a new problem swallowing or breathing.

Where exactly is the tumour and how deep is it? Will any teeth, jaw tissue or neck lymph nodes need attention? Could reconstruction be needed? How may treatment change speech, eating or appearance? What mouth-care, nutrition and rehabilitation support will I receive?