Oral Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India
Overview
Mouth Cancer is also known as Oral Cancer. In the human body, occasionally there is an unusual and uncontrolled growth of certain cells or tissues. This can lead to cancer or carcinoma. When this occurs in the mouth or oral cavity, it is known as mouth cancer or oral cancer.
Usually, this is seen as growth inside the mouth. Oral cancer is one of the many forms of cancer falling in the category of head and neck cancers.
Alternate Names of Mouth Cancer
Oral cancer, cancer of the oral cavity, oral cavity cancer.
Where Can Mouth Cancer occur?
The following cancers are considered part of mouth cancer:
- Lips
- The inner lining of cheeks- also known as buccal mucosa
- The floor of the mouth (under the tongue)
- Soft and hard palate
- Gums
- Tongue
Types of Mouth Cancer / Oral Cancer
Based on the origin of cells, mouth cancer can be classified as:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type and the diagnosis for more than 90% of oral cancer cases. Squamous cells are flat, fish scales-type appearing cells present in the outer layer of external and internal organs. Abnormal growth of these cells in the oral cavity can be categorized as squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth.
Melanoma of the Oral Cavity
Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells in the body. Cancer of Melanocytes in the oral cavity is lateral as melanoma of the oral cavity.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma affects the lymphoid tissue, which forms a part of the immune system. The base of the tongue and tonsils both contain lymphoid tissue.
Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas
These develop in multiple sites like the floor of the mouth, tongue and buccal mucosa.
Verrucous Carcinoma
This is a rarely occurring and slow-growing type of cancer, generally seen in the tobacco-chewing population. It mainly affects males.
Causes & Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
- Mutation in the genetic pattern or coding.
- Smoking
- Gum disease.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Chewing betel nut and tobacco, gutka.
- Uncontrolled alcohol consumption.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – Mainly for oropharynx carcinoma
- In-fitting dentures / sharp teeth.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of oral cancer may include:
- Non-healing ulcer.
- A whitish or reddish patch.
- Pain over the affected area leads to difficulty in mouth opening, reducing mouth opening.
- Pain in the ear.
- Swelling or pain in the jaw
- Pain while swallowing, difficulty in swallowing.
- Changes in speech.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Loose teeth.
- Bleeding from the oral cavity
Consult an oral cancer doctor or a healthcare professional if you notice any of the above signs.
Diagnostic Tests for Mouth Cancer
Clinicians will examine the oral cavity to look for ulcers, white or red patches which are called leukoplakia & erythroplakia respectively or a cauliflower-like growth.
A biopsy if needed will be done. In this, a tissue sample from the tumor is collected and sent to the laboratory for microscopic analysis.
Imaging and other additional tests for evaluation like endoscopy, X-ray, PET scan, CT and MRI scans shall be done to determine the extent of disease and to plan treatment.
Oral Cancer Treatment in Delhi
Treatment of mouth cancer depends on the type of cancer, its location and the extent to which it has spread. An oncologist is a specialist who handles cancer treatment. With the help of diagnostic methods, your doctor can determine the cancer stage. It helps to plan the best possible course of treatment, which can be:
Surgery
Robotic surgeries and advanced camera-assisted surgeries besides conventional open surgeries are done for the excision or removal of tumours from the oral cavity. Sometimes, dental extraction and removal of part of the jaw bones are also required. Depending on the stage of cancer, lymph nodes may also need removal.
Chemotherapy
It involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy
High-energy beams kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be beneficial in treating early-stage oral.
Immunotherapy
Cancer cells produce proteins, which disrupt the functioning of your immune system. Hence, your body fails to fight against this disease. Immunotherapy interferes with this process. This is a recently developed modality of treatment.
Palliative care
Doctors advise palliative care as it helps to alleviate the symptoms of cancer in advanced stages.
Early-stage oral cancers are usually treated with a single modality of treatment whereas advanced cancers require a multimodality treatment approach. Follow your oncologist’s advice and follow up diligently as recommended.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Primary Prevention of Oral Cancer
The primary preventive ways include the following:
- Reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and betel nut: It can have a positive impact on the prevention and reduction in the indepence of mouth cancers.
- Dental evaluation: Get at least one dental examination every year.
- Avoiding sun exposure: Follow a proper sun protection regimen.
- Awareness about symptoms: Identifying the warning signs is essential.
Secondary Prevention of Oral Cancer
It can include:
- Regular screening: It helps in detecting the early signs of mouth cancer.
- Self-examination: Take a mirror and examine your lips, gums, inside your cheeks and mouth, regularly.
- Oral cavity examination by oncologists: Cancer experts recommend this to prevent a relapse. Patients with a history of cancer.
Epidemiology of Oral Cancer
The characteristics of such patients depend on them:
- Age: Although mouth cancer can affect younger people too, most people above 55 years are affected.
- Gender: The disease is more common in men than women. It is primarily because of the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Expected Prognosis of Oral Cancer
Overall, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer patients with an early diagnosis is about 84%. However, if cancer has spread to nearby organs, tissues, or lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate drops to 65%. Also, your prognosis depends on the rate at which cancer grows and the type of cancer & stage at which it is detected.