Oral cancer can be cured if it is found in its early stages. The major aim and focus of the treatment options essentially are to completely cure cancer. However, in the case of oral cancer, it is also important to ensure that the function of the nearby nerves, tissues, and organs are also preserved through and after the treatment. So, while deciding the treatment plan for oral cancer, the doctors would have to decide on which steps should be taken to interfere minimally with the person’s quality of life as to how the individual would eat, breathe, talk, look and feel like.

One of the major treatment options which are employed in the treatment of oral cancer is the different surgical methods. The various surgical treatment options for oral cancer are as follows:

Primary tumor surgery
In this treatment procedure, the tumor and a small margin of the tissue around this tumor are removed to ensure that none of the cancer cells are left behind after surgery. To remove the tumor, an incision can be made in the neck or it can be operated and removed directly through the mouth. In several cases, splitting the jawbone to access the tumor might also be required.

Maxillectomy
In this treatment procedure for oral cancer, a part of the hard palate or the complete portion of the hard palate would be removed. The hard palate is the bony roof present inside our mouth. Any gaps which get created during this operation can be replaced by prostheses. Flaps of soft tissue can also be used with or without bones to cover and gaps that might be present.

Mandibulectomy
This surgery is performed when the tumor has spread into the jaw bone but has not affected the bone yet. As a part of this procedure, either a part of the bone or the complete bone would have to be removed. If there is an indication that the jaw bone has been affected even minutely by the tumor, then the complete jaw bone would have to be removed through this surgical procedure.

Glossectomy
This surgery involves the removal of either a small part of the tongue. In some cases, the entire tongue may also be removed.

Laryngectomy
This surgical procedure involves either the complete or partial removal of the larynx or the voice box. While larynx is the voice box and is responsible for the production of sounds, it also makes sure to prevent any food or water from entering the windpipe or the trachea as that could lead to pneumonia. While this surgical procedure is rarely used, when the tumor has progressed to become large, it could become a necessity. When the larynx is removed, the windpipe would be connected to the skin of the neck with a small hole called stoma or tracheostomy. The patient would have to undergo rehabilitation practices to understand a new way to speak.

Tracheostomy
When the tumor becomes large enough that it blocks the airways, a small hole called tracheostomy is made in the neck. A tracheostomy tube is inserted through this hole to facilitate breathing for the patient.