Auriculectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the outer ear while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Composite resection of mandible is the surgical removal of part of the jawbone along with surrounding tissues to ensure the tumor is removed completely.

Endoscopic medial maxillectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes tumors from the nasal cavity or sinuses while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Using an endoscope, surgeons access the affected area through the nostrils, avoiding external incisions. This approach helps reduce your discomfort and shorten your recovery time.

Excision is the surgical removal of skin cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to help ensure that all cancerous cells are removed. For early-stage or low-risk cancers, a simple excision removes the lesion with minimal impact on the surrounding skin. For more advanced or high-risk cases, such as melanoma, a wide excision removes a larger area to reduce the risk of recurrence. Both effectively treat cancer while preserving as much healthy skin and function as possible.

Excision is the surgical removal of the submandibular gland, located beneath the jaw. Your surgeon carefully removes the gland while protecting nearby nerves to preserve speech, swallowing and facial movement to support your comfort and recovery.

Free tissue transfer, also known as microvascular surgery, is a complex surgical procedure to remove a tumor and repair the affected area. After the tumor removal, your surgeon takes healthy tissue from another part of your body – often the forearm, thigh, back, abdomen and/or lower leg – referred to as a free flap. The type of tissue the surgeon takes depends on the type of repair you need, and could be skin, fat, muscle, bone, fascia or cartilage. Using a microscope, the surgeon reattaches the tissue and the tiny blood vessels using very fine sutures to restore function, appearance and quality of life.

While free tissue transfer can be used for many types of cancer, it’s particularly useful if you have throat or mouth cancer because it allows surgeons to reconstruct areas that might affect speech, chewing or swallowing.

Glossectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the tongue while focusing on preserving function as much as possible.

A partial glossectomy removes only the affected area, while a total glossectomy may be necessary for more advanced cases. Depending on the extent of the procedure, reconstruction and speech therapy can help restore speaking and swallowing abilities, ensuring the best possible recovery and quality of life.

Laryngectomy is surgical removal of some or all of the larynx, or voice box.

A partial laryngectomy removes only the affected area while keeping the remaining structures intact to preserve as much of your speech and swallowing function as possible and allow for a more natural voice and breathing.

A total laryngectomy removes the voice box to treat advanced cancer, permanently redirecting your breathing through a small opening in the neck called a stoma. While this procedure changes how you speak, options like voice prosthetics or speech therapy can help you communicate.

Local rotation flap surgery helps reconstruct areas where tissue has been removed during cancer treatment. By rotating nearby healthy skin and tissue to cover the affected area, this technique preserves blood supply and promotes healing. It’s often used in facial or neck reconstruction to restore appearance and function while minimizing the need for more complex procedures.

Mandibulectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the lower jaw while preserving as much function as possible. Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may also have reconstruction – possibly using bone from another part of the body – to restore your appearance, speech and chewing ability.

Marginal resection of mandible is the surgical removal of cancerous growths in the floor of the mouth that have spread to the jawbone. Your surgeon carefully removes only the affected portion of the jawbone to preserve its overall shape and stability, which helps maintain your speech, chewing and facial structure.

Maxillectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the upper jaw to treat cancer while preserving as much function as possible.

A partial maxillectomy removes only the affected area to preserve as much function as possible, while a total maxillectomy – used for more advanced cases – removes the entire upper jaw. Depending on the extent of the surgery, reconstruction or a prosthesis may help restore your speech, chewing and facial structure.

Modified radical neck dissection – also known as a lymphadenectomy – is the surgical removal of lymph nodes from the neck to treat or prevent the spread of cancer while preserving your muscles, nerves and blood vessels whenever possible. By targeting affected lymph nodes, this surgery helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence while maintaining function in your neck, shoulders and face.

Orbital exenteration is the surgical removal of the eye and surrounding tissues to treat advanced cancers of the eye or nearby structures. While this procedure is extensive, reconstruction options, including prosthetics, can help restore your facial appearance and eye function.

Parotidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the parotid gland – the largest salivary gland. Your surgeon works to remove the affected tissue while carefully protecting the facial nerves that control movement. This helps preserve your ability to smile, speak and eat comfortably.

Pedicled myocutaneous flap is a reconstructive surgery in which tissue, muscle and connective tissue called fascia are moved from one area of the body to reconstruct another area. Because the tissue stays connected to its original blood supply, it often heals more naturally. This approach is often used for head and neck reconstruction because it helps restore both function and appearance.

A pharyngectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the pharynx – the part of the throat behind your mouth and nasal cavity. The surgeon works to preserve as much function as possible. Depending on the extent of your surgery, reconstruction may help restore your ease of swallowing and speech capabilities.

A rhinectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the nose to treat cancer while focusing on both your health and appearance. Depending on the extent of the surgery, reconstruction or a prosthesis can help restore your function and facial symmetry.

Selective neck dissection – also known as a lymphadenectomy – removes specific lymph nodes from the neck to treat or prevent the spread of cancer while preserving your muscles, nerves and blood vessels. By targeting only the affected areas, it helps reduce your recovery time and maintain as much natural function as possible.

Transoral laser resection is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to precisely remove tumors from the throat or voice box through the mouth, avoiding visible external incisions. By targeting only the affected tissue, this approach helps preserve your speech, swallowing and breathing while potentially shortening your recovery time.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive procedure that removes tumors in hard-to-reach areas without any external incisions because the instruments are inserted through your mouth. TORS uses advanced technology to help your surgeon precisely locate and remove tumors, mostly in the head and neck, and repair nearby tissue.

Since there are no external incisions to remove the tumor, recovery is typically quicker, with less pain and no visible scarring.

3DCRT uses 3D planning and CT imaging to better target tumors and cancerous areas and improve the outcome of radiation treatment. It also limits the damage to healthy tissue, potentially decreasing risks like infection and minimizing side effects.

Learn more about three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)