Reconstructive Surgery After Biopsy
 A biopsy is a common, effective diagnostic tool for diagnosing or ruling out the presence, of oral cancer. With a biopsy, only a small portion of the abnormality is removed to more closely examine the tissue under a microscope. If cancerous tissue is found, the rest of the abnormality needs to be removed. If the growth is large, it can require the removal of a significant amount of soft tissue and even bone. At Simon K. Choyee, DDS, Inc., we can perform reconstructive surgery to restore the functions and appearance of your mouth following a biopsy and treatment.
The Purpose of Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery has many purposes. The purposes include
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Protection of vital structures. This includes separating areas such the mouth and the nose from areas such as the brain and the neck. Restoring coverage to crucial areas with healthy tissue can help prevent against serious health issues.
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Restoration of function. In some instances, removing abnormalities can impact how your mouth, and other related components, work. This can include how you breathe, how you eat, and how you swallow. Reconstructive surgery can help to restore as much normal function as possible.
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Aesthetic restoration. Reconstructive surgery seeks to restore, to the best of our ability, the normal appearance of your mouth and face. |
Procedures for Removing Oral Cancer
There are several different procedures that can be performed to remove oral cancer and other abnormal growths in the mouth.
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Glossectomy. This procedure is often performed to remove tongue cancers. Following the removal of the abnormality, reconstructive surgery may involve the use of a radial forearm flap, which involves taking tissue from under the forearm to rebuild the tongue.
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Mandibulectomy. This procedure is done to remove a portion of the mandible, or lower jaw, when an abnormality is too close to, or attached to, the bone.
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Maxillectomy. This procedure involves removing the bones in the hard palate or the nasal sinuses.
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Lymph node removal. This is often done at the same time as removing tumors to reduce the likelihood of cancer returning in the future. |
Reconstructive Surgery
In many cases, the surgical wounds are sutured closed with dissolvable stitches following the removal of abnormalities. However, reconstructive surgery is often needed following the removal of larger abnormalities. This often means a soft tissue or bone graft. The tissue or bone can be taken from other areas of your body. Soft tissue may be taken from under your forearm or your thigh. Bone tissue may be taken from your hip or tibia. In other cases, we may use soft tissue or bone tissue from a donor. In some instances, a microsurgical technique called a free tissue transfer may be performed. This procedure involves the transplantation of tissue, including the blood vessels, to the area where the abnormality was removed. Small stitches are used to connect the blood vessels, allowing the site to heal properly. We have substantial experience restoring the functions and appearance of the mouth and face with reconstructive surgery.
Reconstructive surgery following a biopsy for oral cancer can help to restore the functions of your mouth as well as restore your appearance. Call Simon K. Choyee, DDS, Inc. at (562) 947-4781 today for more information. |
