Speciality
Oral Cancer Surgery
Tongue, cheek, jaw and lip cancers — treated with organ-preserving precision.
About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is among the most common cancers in India, particularly in Gujarat, driven largely by tobacco, gutka, and areca nut consumption. Dr Smit Doshi specialises in early-stage and advanced oral cavity cancers, with a focus on preserving speech, swallowing, and facial appearance through meticulous surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
Symptoms
Signs to take seriously
- 1A non-healing ulcer in the mouth lasting more than 3 weeks
- 2White or red patches on the gums, tongue or inner cheek
- 3A persistent lump or thickening in the cheek or jaw
- 4Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue
- 5Loose teeth without dental cause
- 6Numbness in the tongue or lower lip
- 7Bleeding from the mouth without injury
- 8Restricted mouth opening (trismus)
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
The path to a confirmed diagnosis
- 01
Detailed clinical examination of the oral cavity and neck
- 02
Biopsy of the suspicious lesion under local anaesthesia
- 03
Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI of the face and neck
- 04
PET-CT for staging in advanced disease
- 05
Ultrasound-guided FNAC of suspicious neck nodes
- 06
Pre-operative dental and nutritional assessment
Treatment
How Dr Doshi treats this
Wide local excision
Removal of the primary tumour with a clear margin of healthy tissue, performed under general anaesthesia.
Selective and modified neck dissection
Carefully tailored removal of lymph nodes in the neck to control spread while preserving nerves and vessels.
Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy
Partial or segmental removal of the jaw bones when the cancer has invaded bone, followed by reconstruction.
Microvascular free flap reconstruction
Restoration of tongue, jaw or cheek using tissue from the forearm, thigh or fibula — performed in the same operation.
Trans-oral laser and robotic surgery
Minimally invasive techniques for early oral cancers, with shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Recovery
What to expect afterwards
- 1
Hospital stay of 5–10 days depending on the extent of surgery
- 2
A feeding tube is used for 7–14 days while the mouth heals
- 3
Speech and swallowing therapy starts in the first week
- 4
Most patients return to a soft diet within 3 weeks
- 5
Long-term follow-up every 2–3 months in the first two years
Patient story
“I cannot thank Dr Doshi enough. From the moment I walked into his clinic, I felt heard. The surgery went smoothly and his follow-up calls during my recovery meant the world to me and my family.”
— Simran Kapoor, Ahmedabad · Oral Cancer
Frequently asked
What patients ask about oral cancer surgery
Have a question that isn’t here? Reach out — we usually reply within two hours.
Take the first step today.
Early detection saves lives. Speak with Dr Doshi — a 15-minute consultation can change the course of treatment.
Disclaimer: This information is for awareness only and does not substitute a medical consultation. For personalised advice on your condition, please book an appointment with Dr Doshi.