Oral Cancer
Alternate Names : Squamous Cell Cancer of the Oral Cavity, Mouth and Throat Cancer
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatment options for oral cancer vary, depending on a number of
factors, such as:
the extent of
metastasis, or spread, of the cancer
the individual's age and general health
the location, size, type, and extent of the tumor
the stage of the cancer
The healthcare provider may also recommend a complete dental exam
before treatment is started. Oral cancer treatment may make the person's mouth
more sensitive and prone to infection. The provider may recommend that dental
problems be treated before the person starts cancer therapy.
Some of the treatment options for oral cancer are as follows:
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
surgery to remove tumors
Two or more treatment options may be combined to kill as
many cancer cells as possible.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Surgeons try to minimize deformity and loss of function. Sometimes, in an
effort to cure a person, it is difficult to achieve these goals. Surgeons need
to remove about 1 to 2 centimeters of cancer-free tissue around the sore in
people who may be cured. This can result in lip deformity, scarring, loss of
tongue function, and difficulty swallowing.
Radiation therapy may cause the following:
a change in the color of the skin
increased risk of mouth infections
loss of salivary gland function and chronic dry mouth
secondary cancers
People who receive neck and throat radiation need to have all of their teeth
removed. Teeth cannot survive this treatment and dentures are required.
Chemotherapy may cause the following problems:
hair loss
an increased need for blood
transfusions
infection
nausea and
vomiting
What happens after treatment for the disease?
People who have had oral cancer must be closely followed to make sure the
cancer does not return. The person should also be monitored to make sure no new
oral cancers occur. If the cancer has spread to other body organs, additional
treatment may be needed.
How is the disease monitored?
The person will also need frequent mouth exams to ensure that oral
cancer does not return. This person will remain at risk for developing other
cancers. Chest X-rays and CT scans may be done to determine whether cancer has
spread or developed in other parts of the body. Any new or worsening symptoms
should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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