×

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the oral cavity. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth.

When oral cancer spreads (metastasizes), it usually travels through the lymphatic system. Cancer cells that enter the lymphatic system are carried along by lymph, a clear, watery fluid. The cancer cells often appear first in nearby lymph nodes in the neck.

Risk factors for Oral Cancer:

Tobacco & it’s products (Gutkha, Khaini, Cigarrate, Bidi)

Betel nuts (Supari)

Alcohol

Chronic Iron deficiency

Poor oral hygiene, sharp teeth

Viral infections (HPV, EBV, HIV)

Occupational exposure such as a Wood dust, Paint, Lead, Nickle, Leather industries.

Sign and symptoms of oral Cancer

Patches inside your mouth or on your lips that are white, a mixture of red and white, or red:

White patches (leukoplakia) are the most common. White patches sometimes become malignant.

Mixed red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia) are more likely than white patches to become malignant.

Red patches (erythroplakia) are brightly colored, smooth areas that often become malignant.

Other Symptoms

A non healing sore on your lip or in your mouth

Burning sensation in mouth

Intolerance to hot and spicy food

Bleeding in mouth

Loose teeth

Difficulty or pain when swallowing

Difficulty wearing dentures

A lump in neck

Diagnosis:

Biopsy–first and the most important step in treatment.

Complete Head & Neck clinical evaluation, Endoscopic evaluation if needed

Radiological examination (CT/MRI/PET/OPG) as per advice

Laboratory investigations

Management of Oral Cancer

Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough, and if surgery is likely to result in a functionally satisfactory result.

Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery, or as the definitive radical treatment, especially if the tumour is inoperable.

1. Surgery:

Composite Resection (Commando) surgery for cancers of Buccal Mucosa, Tongue, Floor Mouth & Jaw

Laser assisted surgeries – oral lesions

Reconstruction & Rehabilitation :

Microvascular reconstruction for oral cancers defect for better functional & cosmetic results

Speech & Swallowing rehabilitation

Post-surgery cancer physiotherapy

2. Radiation Therapy

3. Chemotherapy

4. Any combination of above

Oral cancer screening