There are a number of different operations that can help treat oropharyngeal cancer. If surgery is recommended, the type of operation will depend on the person and their cancer. Whilst some people can be treated with surgery alone, others may need extra treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Your cancer care team will help decide whether it is necessary for you, based on a detailed report on the cancer from the pathologist 1–2 weeks after surgery. Adding another type of treatment after surgery is called adjuvant therapy. This can be either radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), which is typically started about 4 weeks after surgery to allow recovery and for planning purposes. The treatment itself usually lasts about 6 weeks.
Your doctor will explain details of the surgery, general risks and side effects of surgery. Ask your doctor if you have questions. They may recommend:
stopping blood thinners (e.g. aspirin) before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding
special stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots
early mobilisation (i.e. not to stay in bed) to reduce the risk of blood clots and chest infection
antibiotics to lower the risk of wound infection.
If you smoke, it is important that you consider stopping smoking before starting treatment to help reduce the risk of infection and help you recover after your treatment.
Sometimes, oropharyngeal cancers can be removed through the mouth without any external cuts using a robotic system or by using laser surgery.
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