Does oral cancer surgery change your face a lot?

It depends on the size and location of the cancer. 1) If it is found early (stage 1 to 2) and the lesion is small, the area removed is small and there is little or no change to the face. 2) In advanced cases part of the jawbone or tongue may have to be removed, and reconstructive surgery grafting tissue from the arm or leg is performed at the same time. Reconstruction and rehabilitation can restore much of both appearance and speech and eating function. Ultimately, the key to limiting change is early detection. If you have an ulcer or lump in your mouth that has not healed in 2 weeks, please do not postpone an examination.