What to expect from tumour removal surgery for mouth cancer

The surgeon removes the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue. Depending on its position, surgery may involve the tongue, gum, cheek, floor of the mouth, jaw, or nearby neck lymph nodes. Reconstruction with a graft, flap, or other repair may help restore the shape of the mouth and support function.

Swelling and soreness can make speaking, chewing, or swallowing difficult at first. A feeding tube may be used while swallowing is assessed. A speech and language therapist and dietitian can help you rebuild safe eating and communication. Pathology results guide discussions about further care.

Tell your team about dental problems, loose teeth, medicines, allergies, and any difficulty eating before surgery. Ask whether a dental review, special nutrition plan, or feeding tube is expected. Arrange support with meals, transport, and household tasks while mouth and neck movement are limited.

Follow the instructions for mouth rinses, wound care, medicines, and feeding. Avoid smoking or nicotine during healing because it can interfere with wound recovery. Perform jaw, tongue, shoulder, or swallowing exercises only as taught, and attend reviews for pathology and rehabilitation.

Contact the team for worsening mouth or neck swelling, increasing redness, foul drainage, wound opening, feverishness, or pain that is not controlled. Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or inability to swallow saliva. Repeated coughing during feeds, persistent vomiting, or very little urine needs prompt assessment.

Which parts of my mouth, jaw, or neck may be removed? Will reconstruction or a feeding tube be needed? How could surgery affect speech, chewing, swallowing, or appearance? When can therapy and oral care begin? When will pathology results shape the next step?