Understanding the Different Treatment Options of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects the lips, tongue, throat, and mouth lining. About 90% of oral cancers are attributable to consumption of tobacco and alcohol. However, there are various other reasons that cause this cancer. Once you are diagnosed with mouth cancer, getting the right treatment early is important. Some of the most prominent oral cancer treatment options are outlined in this article. Let’s dive in!
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Before you explore the various treatment options for oral cancer, knowing about its symptoms is vital. The common symptoms include the following:
- Bleeding of the mouth
- Sore on the lip or moth
- A sore throat
- Tongue pain
- Difficulty and pain in swallowing
- Jaw stiffness or pain
- Loss teeth
- Sudden loss of weight
- Red and white patches on lips and mouth.
Options for Treating Cancer
In case you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to visit a doctor. In case you are diagnosed with oral cancer, get appropriate treatment at the earliest. The common oral cancer treatment options are listed below:
- Surgery
Surgery is specially opted when an individual is at an early stage of oral cancer. It helps in the removal of the cancerous lymph nodes and tumors. Moreover, the doctors may also remove tissues around the neck and mouth to minimize the risks for patients.
There are various kinds of surgeries that treat oral cancers. Some popular options include primary tumor surgery, neck dissection, glossectomy, maxillectomy, reconstruction, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Depending on the specific condition of the individual, the right oral cancer surgery is recommended.
- Chemotherapy
When it comes to treating cancer, chemotherapy is a popular treatment option. It involves killing the cancer cells with the use of drugs. It is an outpatient treatment option. However, in certain cases, hospitalization may be essential. In chemotherapy, the medicine is given to the patients either through an intravenous line or orally.
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment option in recent times. In this therapy, the doctors make use of strong radiation beams to kill the cancerous cells or limit them from growing. This treatment may continue for two to eight weeks. Based on the seriousness of the mouth cancer, the doctor decides the frequency of radiation therapy. At times, your healthcare provider may even combine this therapy with other treatments like chemotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is ideal for treating both early and advanced-stage oral cancer. This treatment involves drugs and other substances that identify and attacks the cancer cells without affecting the normal cells. It prevents the cancerous cells from growing and ultimately lowers the risk for the patients.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common oral cancer treatment options. Based on your cancer stage, the healthcare providers can recommend you the right treatment. Now that you know the popular options, it is time to connect with an experienced and reputed doctor and get the right treatment.
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