Partial removal
Only the affected portion of the upper jaw is removed when possible.
Advanced Surgical Treatment for Maxillary Tumors and Oral Cancer
Maxillectomy Treatment in Hyderabad
Maxillectomy is a specialized surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of the upper jaw bone affected by tumors, oral cancer, or other aggressive diseases. The surgery aims to completely remove diseased tissue while preserving speech, swallowing, and facial appearance whenever possible.
What is Maxillectomy?
Understanding Upper Jaw Surgery
Maxillectomy is the surgical removal of a portion or the entire upper jaw. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, the procedure may involve removing surrounding tissues such as the palate, nasal lining, or sinus walls. It is commonly performed for both benign aggressive tumors and malignant cancers affecting the upper jaw.
Function preservation
The procedure aims to preserve speech, swallowing, and appearance whenever possible.
Tissue extent
Palate, nasal lining, or sinus walls may also be involved depending on spread.
Conditions that may require surgery
When Maxillectomy May Be Recommended
Maxillectomy may be recommended for oral cancer involving the upper jaw, maxillary sinus tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland tumors involving the palate, odontogenic tumors, aggressive jaw cysts, recurrent benign tumors, osteomyelitis resistant to treatment, and certain facial trauma cases requiring reconstruction.
Oral and sinus cancer
Cancers affecting the upper jaw or maxillary sinus may need resection.
Benign aggressive disease
Some tumors and cysts grow aggressively even when non-cancerous.
Infection and bone disease
Resistant osteomyelitis can occasionally require surgical removal.
Trauma repair
Certain facial trauma cases may need maxillary reconstruction.
Types of surgery
Types of Maxillectomy
The choice of procedure depends on the extent of the disease. Options range from partial maxillectomy to radical maxillectomy, with each approach tailored to the size and spread of the lesion.
Partial maxillectomy
Removal of a small portion of the upper jaw while preserving surrounding structures.
Subtotal maxillectomy
Removal of a larger section while retaining some healthy bone.
Total maxillectomy
Complete removal of one side of the upper jaw.
Radical maxillectomy
Removal of the maxilla along with adjacent affected structures.
Symptoms
Symptoms That May Require Evaluation
You should consult a specialist if you experience a persistent ulcer in the upper jaw, swelling of the palate or upper jaw, loose upper teeth without gum disease, facial swelling, one-sided nasal blockage, frequent nosebleeds, pain while chewing, difficulty wearing dentures, or a lump inside the mouth.
Oral signs
Persistent ulcers, lumps, and loose upper teeth need assessment.
Facial swelling
Swelling or asymmetry can suggest an underlying maxillary lesion.
Nasal symptoms
One-sided blockage or nosebleeds may occur when the sinus is involved.
Function changes
Difficulty chewing or wearing dentures can signal jaw pathology.
Diagnosis before surgery
How Maxillectomy Is Planned
A detailed evaluation usually includes clinical examination, imaging such as CBCT, CT, MRI, and PET-CT when indicated, biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, and cancer staging when malignancy is present. This helps the surgical team plan the safest and most effective treatment.
Clinical and imaging review
- Comprehensive assessment of the oral cavity and facial structures.
- CBCT, CT, MRI, and PET-CT when needed.
- Helps define the size and spread of the lesion.
- Supports surgical planning and reconstruction.
Biopsy and staging
- Tissue sample obtained before surgery.
- Cancer staging performed when malignancy is suspected.
- Results guide the extent of surgery.
- May influence reconstruction and adjuvant treatment.
How surgery is done
How Maxillectomy Is Performed
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon carefully removes the affected portion of the upper jaw while preserving healthy tissues whenever possible. If necessary, nearby lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed as part of cancer treatment. Reconstruction may be performed immediately or in a staged manner.
General anesthesia
The operation is done while the patient is fully asleep and comfortable.
Precise removal
Only diseased tissue is removed while healthy structures are preserved as much as possible.
Neck and reconstruction planning
Some patients need lymph node assessment and immediate or staged reconstruction.
Reconstruction
Maxillary Reconstruction After Surgery
Reconstruction plays an important role in restoring facial appearance, speech, swallowing, chewing function, and the separation between the mouth and nasal cavity. Options may include obturator prosthesis, bone grafting, free flap reconstruction, soft tissue flap reconstruction, or other maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.
Obturator prosthesis
Helps close the defect and improve speech and swallowing.
Bone grafting
May restore jaw continuity and support facial structure.
Free flap reconstruction
Used for larger defects where tissue transfer is required.
Soft tissue repair
Helps rebuild lining and improve function when needed.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery After Maxillectomy
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery. Patients may require a hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, nutritional support, speech and swallowing rehabilitation, and regular follow-up visits. Most patients gradually return to normal daily activities under the guidance of their healthcare team.
Hospital monitoring
Initial recovery usually begins with close observation in the hospital.
Rehabilitation
Speech and swallowing therapy support functional recovery.
Diet and activity
Nutritional support and gradual return to normal routines are often needed.
Risks and follow-up
Possible Risks and Complications
As with any major surgery, potential risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, temporary facial numbness, difficulty swallowing, speech changes, sinus-related complications, and the need for further reconstructive procedures. Careful planning helps minimize these risks.
Bleeding and infection
These are standard surgical risks that are closely monitored.
Numbness and swelling
Temporary facial numbness or swelling may occur after surgery.
Functional changes
Speech and swallowing may change but often improve with rehabilitation.
Sinus and reconstruction issues
Some patients may need further treatment for sinus or reconstructive needs.
Why choose us
Why Choose Our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Team?
We offer expertise in oral and maxillary tumor surgery, advanced imaging and surgical planning, comprehensive oral cancer management, specialized maxillofacial reconstruction, a multidisciplinary cancer care approach, and long-term follow-up with rehabilitation.
Oncologic expertise
Focused care for oral cancer and maxillary tumors.
Reconstruction planning
Rebuilds function and appearance with customized surgical options.
Team-based care
Coordinated treatment with oncology, radiology, and rehabilitation support.
Follow-up support
Long-term surveillance helps monitor healing and detect recurrence early.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions About Maxillectomy
Is Maxillectomy only performed for cancer?
No. While it is commonly performed for oral and maxillary cancers, certain aggressive benign tumors and cysts may also require maxillectomy.
Will I be able to eat and speak normally after surgery?
Many patients regain good speech and swallowing function after reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Is reconstruction performed during the same surgery?
In many cases, immediate reconstruction can be performed, depending on the extent of the procedure.
How long is the recovery period?
Recovery varies, but most patients require several weeks for initial healing, followed by ongoing rehabilitation.
When to see a specialist
When Should You Seek Care?
Consult an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon if you have a persistent ulcer or swelling in the upper jaw, facial swelling or asymmetry, loose upper teeth without an obvious cause, a diagnosed maxillary tumor or cyst, or symptoms suggestive of oral cancer. Early treatment offers the best chance for successful outcomes.
Concerning symptoms
- Persistent ulcer or swelling in the upper jaw.
- Facial swelling or asymmetry.
- Loose upper teeth without an obvious cause.
- Lump inside the mouth or nasal symptoms.
Why prompt care helps
- Better chances of complete tumor removal.
- Improved reconstruction planning.
- Preservation of speech and swallowing.
- Earlier cancer treatment when needed.