Oral Cancers

Oral Cancers: As with oropharyngeal cancers, these are usually squamous cell carcinoma, and also impact speech and swallowing. These tumors are usually treated with surgery, with possible radiation therapy post operatively for more advanced tumors. Removal of the neck lymph nodes are usually performed with these tumors, as with the other tumors discussed (selective neck dissection, modified radical neck dissection and radical neck dissection). Reconstruction is performed at the same setting using primary closure, skin grafts, local and regional flaps and distant micro-vascular free tissue transfer for functional rehabilitation. As with other tumors, our speech and swallowing therapists work closely with the surgeons to help optimize patient recovery. Procedures performed include the following:

• Buccal mucosa excision
• Partial, hemi-glossectomy and total glossectomy
• Palatectomy
• Mandibular resection and reconstruction (partial, marginal, total mandibulectomy), composite resections.