Surgery for a Mouth or Throat Tumor
Surgery for a Mouth or Throat Tumor
Surgery may be done to remove either a benign tumor or a tumor that is cancer. Your healthcare team will let you know what to expect. They’ll also discuss the possible risks and complications of the surgery, the benefits of the surgery, and any other treatment options. They will also let you know which healthcare providers will take part in the surgery.
Before the surgery you will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form. This form also explains the surgery, the risks, and the possible complications. Signing it means that you understand and agree to both the potential positive and negative outcomes. You should take the informed consent process very seriously. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns before you sign the form.
The surgery plan
Your surgery may take from a few minutes to several hours. At the start, you will be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Depending on the size of the tumor and where it is, surgery can include:
Removing the tumor. If the tumor is benign, you may not need any other treatment after it’s removed. If the tumor is cancer, you may also need radiation or chemotherapy.
Helping you breathe while the tumor is removed. To do this, the surgeon may make a small hole in the front of your throat. The surgeon may put a tracheostomy (trach) tube through this hole to help you breathe.
Removing some lymph nodes from your neck if your tumor is cancer. This procedure (neck dissection) is done if the tumor has spread to nearby neck lymph nodes. This procedure will help keep the cancer from spreading. The information gathered during the procedure will help guide further treatment.
Doing surgery to replace tissue removed. This could include using tissue from your forearm, thigh, chest, back, or other site to replace tissue removed during the surgery. This can help you regain better use of your mouth, throat, or neck after treatment.
Risks and possible 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
Updated:  
December 22, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.,Kacker, Ashutosh, MD