A mandibulectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of your mandible, or lower jawbone, is removed. A mandibulectomy is frequently performed by surgeons to remove a tumor or damaged area of your jaw. Mandibular resection is another name for mandibulectomy.
Why and When Is Mandibulectomy Recommended?
Mandibulectomy is advised in conditions where part or all of the jawbone needs to be removed to restore health, function, or prevent further complications. It is typically recommended in the following situations:
Cancers of the mouth involving the jawbone: When oral or oropharyngeal cancers spread to or affect the jawbone, removing the diseased portion becomes essential for effective treatment.
Bone infection (osteomyelitis): Severe or chronic infections of the jawbone that do not respond to other treatments may require removal of the affected bone.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw: A serious condition often linked to bisphosphonate medications, where reduced blood flow leads to bone death, making surgical removal necessary.
Severe jaw damage: Trauma or injury that causes significant damage to the jawbone may require mandibulectomy to restore stability and function.
Mandibulectomy helps remove diseased or damaged bone and enables further reconstruction, supporting better oral health, function, and overall quality of life.
How does Mandibulectomy differ from other treatment options?
When cancer or another serious illness affects the lower jawbone, mandibulectomy is performed to remove all or a portion of the jawbone. A mandibulectomy physically removes the damaged bone and tissue to prevent the disease from spreading, in contrast to therapies like radiation or chemotherapy that employ energy or medications to kill cancer cells. Reconstruction may be performed following surgery to help patients regain their ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably by restoring the jaw's shape and function. To increase treatment efficacy and lower the risk of cancer recurrence, clinicians occasionally mix surgery with radiation or chemotherapy.
FAQs
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What are the different types of mandibulectomy?
Marginal Mandibulectomy
Segmental Mandibulectomy
Hemimandibulectomy
Total Mandibulectomy
Are radiation or chemotherapy needed after mandibulectomy?
Sometimes, yes. These treatments may be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Will I be able to eat and speak normally after surgery?
With proper reconstruction and rehabilitation, most patients can regain good eating, speaking, and facial functions over time.
