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