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👄 Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Oncology

Oral Cancer Surgery &
Reconstruction

Early Detection. Complete Resection. Function-Preserving Reconstruction. — Expert surgical management of oral cavity cancer at KG Hospital, Coimbatore, in coordination with ENT surgery and radiation oncology.

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Dr. Prabhakaran U - Surgical Oncologist and Oral Cancer Surgeon at KG Hospital Coimbatore
Dr. Prabhakaran U
Surgical Oncologist &
Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon
KG Hospital · Coimbatore

Understanding Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers of the lips, tongue, cheek lining, gums, floor of the mouth, and hard palate. It is one of the most common cancers seen in India, strongly linked to chewing tobacco, gutka, betel nut (areca nut), and smoking — often in combination with alcohol use.

Unlike many internal cancers, oral cancer is often visible or palpable in its early stages — a persistent mouth ulcer, a white or red patch, or a lump that doesn't heal. Yet diagnosis is frequently delayed because such changes are dismissed as minor irritation.

As a Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Prabhakaran U performs the full range of oral cancer surgery — from wide local excision for early lesions to composite resection with reconstruction for locally advanced disease — in close coordination with ENT surgeons and radiation oncologists.

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Surgical Oncology Training:
• MCh Surgical Oncology — Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Trivandrum (2018–2021)
• Experience spanning 1,000+ cancer surgeries across multiple tumour types
• Advanced fellowships across India, China, Singapore, and Thailand

📊 Key Facts — Oral Cancer

  • Among the top 3 cancers in India, especially common in men
  • Tobacco chewing, gutka, betel nut, and alcohol account for the majority of cases
  • HPV infection is a growing cause of oropharyngeal cancer, even in non-smokers
  • Stage I oral cancer treated with surgery: 5-year survival over 80%
  • Most common sites: tongue, buccal mucosa (cheek), gums, and floor of the mouth

Common Symptoms

  • A non-healing mouth ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks
  • White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches in the mouth
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or floor of the mouth
  • Unexplained loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing or swallowing
  • A lump in the neck (suggesting spread to lymph nodes)
  • Persistent hoarseness or numbness of the tongue or lip

⚠️ Do not wait: Any mouth ulcer, white or red patch, or lump that does not heal within 3 weeks — especially in someone who uses tobacco, gutka, or alcohol — should be examined and biopsied without delay.

Staging & Diagnosis

How Oral Cancer is Staged and Diagnosed

Staging

Oral cancer staging is based on tumour size, depth of invasion, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes in the neck or to distant sites:

Stage I–II

Small tumour, confined to the oral cavity

5-year survival: 70–90%

Stage III

Larger tumour or limited spread to a nearby lymph node

5-year survival: 50–70%

Stage IVA–B

Locally advanced disease invading adjacent structures

5-year survival: 30–50%

Stage IVC

Spread to distant organs (rare at presentation)

5-year survival: varies widely

Diagnosis — What Tests Are Needed?

  • Clinical oral examination — the first and most important step; often reveals the lesion directly
  • Biopsy — confirms diagnosis and cell type before any treatment decision
  • CT or MRI of the head and neck — defines tumour extent, bone involvement, and nodal status
  • Neck ultrasound / FNAC — evaluates suspicious lymph nodes
  • PET-CT — used for staging locally advanced disease and detecting distant spread
  • Multidisciplinary tumour board review — before finalising the treatment plan

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery for Oral Cancer — Expert Care at KG Hospital

Complete surgical removal with clear margins remains the foundation of curative treatment for oral cancer. Dr. Prabhakaran performs the full range of oral cancer surgery:

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Wide Local Excision

Removal of the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue — used for early-stage, smaller lesions confined to the oral cavity.

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Glossectomy

Partial or, for locally advanced disease, total removal of the tongue — with reconstruction planned to preserve speech and swallowing function as much as possible.

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Composite Resection

Combined removal of the tumour along with involved jawbone (mandibulectomy) or upper jaw (maxillectomy) when the cancer has invaded bone.

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Neck Dissection

Removal of lymph nodes in the neck — selective or modified radical — performed when there is nodal spread or a significant risk of microscopic spread.

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Flap Reconstruction

Local or free flap reconstruction to restore form and function after resection — critical for maintaining speech, swallowing, and appearance.

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Adjuvant Treatment Planning

Based on final pathology — margins, nodal involvement, extranodal extension — radiotherapy or chemoradiation may be recommended after surgery.

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Multidisciplinary Head & Neck Cancer Care — KG Hospital, Coimbatore
Every oral cancer case is planned with ENT surgery, radiology, pathology, and radiation oncology to give the patient the best chance of cure with preserved function and appearance.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of oral cancer?
A non-healing ulcer in the mouth lasting more than 3 weeks, white or red patches, unexplained loose teeth, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, or persistent hoarseness. Stage I oral cancer has a 5-year survival of over 80% with timely treatment.
Is tobacco the only cause of oral cancer?
No. While tobacco, gutka, and alcohol are the leading causes, HPV infection is an increasingly common cause of oropharyngeal cancer — even in non-smokers. Regular oral examination is important for everyone.
Will I lose the ability to speak or eat normally after surgery?
Modern reconstruction techniques aim to preserve as much speech and swallowing function as possible. The extent of impact depends on the tumour's size and location — Dr. Prabhakaran discusses expected functional outcomes with every patient before surgery.
Is a neck dissection always needed?
Not always. It depends on tumour depth, location, and imaging findings. For some early, superficial lesions, close observation may be appropriate; for others, even without an obviously enlarged node, a selective neck dissection reduces the risk of missed microscopic spread.
Is oral cancer surgery available in Coimbatore?
Yes. Dr. Prabhakaran U performs oral cancer surgery, including composite resection and reconstruction, at KG Hospital, Coimbatore. Call +91 90826 99710 to arrange a consultation and bring your biopsy and imaging reports.

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Consult Dr. Prabhakaran — Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon

Surgical Oncologist · Oral Cancer Surgery
KG Hospital, Coimbatore

📞 Call +91 90826 99710 ✉️ Email for Appointment