Treatments

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. Oral Cancer belongs to the larger group of head and neck cancers. They grow in the squamous cells found in your mouth, tongue, and lips. Most oral cancers are discovered after they have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. Early detection is crucial for survival.

Types of oral cancers

Oral cancers include cancers of the:

• Lips
• Tongue
• The inner lining of the cheek
• Gums
• hard and soft palate

Risk factors for developing Oral cancer

Tobacco consumption is the most significant risk factor for developing oral cancer. This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco can lead to oral cancer.

Other risk factors for oral cancer include

• Chronic facial sun exposure
• a family history of oral or different types of cancer
• Poor immune system
• Poor nutrition
• Genetic syndromes

Symptoms of oral cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer include

• a sore on your lip or mouth
• a mass anywhere in your mouth
• Unexpected bleeding from your mouth
• Unexpected loose teeth
• Unexpected pain or difficulty swallowing
• trouble wearing dentures
• a lump in your neck
• an earache
• Unexpected weight loss
• a sore throat, tongue pain

Stages of oral cancer

There are four stages of oral cancer.

Stage 1: The tumor is 2 Cms or more minor. Cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 2: The tumor is 2-4 cms. The cancer cells haven’t spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 3: The tumor is larger than 4 cm. It hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or is any size and has spread to one lymph node, but not to other body parts.

Stage 4: Tumors are any size, and the cells have spread to tissues, the lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

Depending on the stage, your doctor will suggest you a treatment plan.

Surgery

Surgery is the way to cure the early stages of oral cancer. It involves surgery to remove the tumor and cancerous lymph nodes. Doctors also remove tissue around the mouth and neck.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the treatment for advanced stages will usually involve a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It involves a doctor aiming radiation beams at the tumor once or twice a day, five days a week, for two to eight weeks.

Chemotherapy

Another treatment of Oral Cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment with drugs that kill Oral cancer cells. The medicine is given orally or through an intravenous (IV) line.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is effective for early and advanced stages of cancer. Targeted therapy drugs will bind to specific proteins on cancer cells and interfere with their growth.

Good Nutrition

Nutrition plays a significant role in oral cancer treatment. Cancer treatments make it difficult or painful to eat and swallow, and poor appetite and weight loss are common.

Keeping your mouth healthy

It is essential to maintain oral health.

Prevention for Oral Cancer

There is no method to prevent oral cancers. But, few measures can be taken to avoid them.

Advantages of laser dentistry

• Stop using tobacco.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol. Excessive intake can make you vulnerable.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips.
• Take an oral examination dentist.

Early detection is crucial because treating stage 1 and stage 2 tumors are less complicated and have a better likelihood of success. Following treatment, your doctor would want you to have regular visits to ensure that you're doing well. Physical exams, blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are frequently included in your visits. If you detect anything unusual, make an appointment with your dentist or oncologist.