This animation illustrates the surgical treatment of an advanced case of oral cancer arising from the lower lip and involving lymph nodes in the neck. The Head and Neck Oncologic surgery team begins with removal of the lip and oral cavity cancer, followed by neck dissections for removal of malignant lymph nodes in the neck. At the same time, a team of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons harvests an area of the forearm as donor tissue to reconstruct the lower lip and face. This donor tissue is called a free flap. The free flap is released from its native blood supply in the forearm and attached to arteries and veins in the neck. The forearm free flap will supply tissue to recreate the form and function of the oral cavity and lip.

This animation illustrates an advanced case of head and neck cancer as treated by members of the UT-Houston Otorhinolaryngology department. Our specialists in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are trained and experienced in the management of complex tumors of the head and neck.