Oral Cancer Surgery in Hyderabad
Curative surgery for cancers of the tongue, cheek, gum, floor of mouth and lip - with appropriate neck dissection and reconstructive planning so function and appearance are preserved where possible.
What is Oral Cancer Surgery?
Oral cavity cancers are among the most common cancers in India, driven largely by tobacco and gutka use. Surgery is the cornerstone of curative treatment for most oral cancers, often combined with neck dissection (to remove lymph nodes that may be involved) and reconstruction (to rebuild the tongue, cheek or jaw). Dr. Yadagiri's surgical oncology training at Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute and a Single Speciality Cancer Hospital covers the full spectrum - from early T1 tongue lesions treated by wide excision, to composite resections requiring flap reconstruction in collaboration with plastic surgery. Every case is discussed in a head-and-neck tumour board, so chemo-radiation is sequenced correctly with surgery.
When you might need it
- A non-healing ulcer in the mouth lasting more than 3 weeks
- A persistent white or red patch on the tongue, cheek or gum (leukoplakia, erythroplakia)
- A lump, thickening or hard area inside the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue
- A neck swelling or lymph node lump
- History of tobacco, gutka, areca nut or heavy alcohol use
Techniques: Open vs Laparoscopic / Modern
Open Surgery
- • Wide local excision with adequate margins (typically 1 cm clear)
- • Selective or modified radical neck dissection to address lymph nodes
- • Composite resection (mandibulectomy or maxillectomy) for bone-invading tumours
- • Reconstruction using local, regional or free flaps with plastic surgery
Laparoscopic / Modern
- ✓ Oral cancer surgery is performed open; selected neck procedures may use minimal-access techniques in chosen cases
Recovery Timeline
- Day 0-2Surgery, monitored stay, tube feeding if needed
- Day 3-7Stepdown ward, speech and swallow assessment begins
- Week 2Discharge home; suture removal and wound check
- Week 4-6Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemo-radiation planning if indicated