Maxillofacial oncology focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cancers affecting the mouth, jaw, and face, including oral squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland tumors, and osteosarcomas. These cancers can be aggressive and often require a combination of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy to achieve successful outcomes.

One of the greatest challenges in maxillofacial oncology is preserving or restoring speech, chewing function, and facial aesthetics after tumor removal. This is where advanced reconstructive techniques play a crucial role. Microvascular free flap surgery, such as fibula, radial forearm, or scapular flaps, allows surgeons to replace missing bone and soft tissue using the patient’s own tissue, ensuring a more natural and functional outcome.

For cases involving jaw resection, osseointegrated implants can be placed in the reconstructed bone to support prosthetic teeth, helping patients regain their ability to eat and speak normally. 3D surgical planning and patient-specific implants (PSIs) are also revolutionizing oncologic reconstructions, allowing for precise restoration of facial symmetry and function.

With advancements in minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, and tissue engineering, maxillofacial oncology is offering new hope and improved quality of life for cancer survivors, transforming lives through both medical innovation and compassionate care.