Reconstruction for head and neck cancers is a critical aspect of the treatment process, aiming to restore both function and appearance after surgical removal of cancerous tissues. Depending on the extent of the surgery, reconstruction may involve rebuilding the jaw, throat, or facial structures.
Common techniques include local tissue flaps, where nearby healthy tissues are repositioned to cover the surgical site, and free tissue transfer, which involves taking tissue from another part of the body (often forearm, leg, or abdomen) and transplanting it to reconstruct the affected area. These procedures not only address cosmetic concerns but also aim to preserve speech, swallowing, and overall function.