Options for treating mouth cancer

There are several different options available for treating mouth cancer. The method of treatment that you and your doctor decide on is based on the stage of your mouth cancer, which is how far it has progressed and whether or not it has traveled to other parts of your body.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with mouth cancer, he or she will perform several other tests to determine the extent of the cancer. After these tests have been performed, and the stage of the cancer has been determined, it's time to decide on treatment options.

There are several different types of specialists who treat mouth cancer, and your doctor may refer you to one of them, or you may ask for a referral. These specialists include otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat), oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. A team of doctors that helps you might include a dentist, a nutritionist, a speech pathologist, a mental health counselor, and specialists in surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy

When deciding upon a course of treatment, you and your doctor will take into consideration your current state of general health, where the cancer began, how large the tumor is, and whether or not it has spread. Keep in mind how the different treatments will affect your appearance, and every day tasks and activities like talking, swallowing, and eating.

There are several methods of treating mouth cancer. These treatments may be used exclusively, or you may undergo a combination of treatments. The treatments for mouth cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for mouth cancer in which the tumor is removed from the mouth. Lymph nodes may also be removed from the neck, along with other mouth and throat tissues. Surgery may be done exclusively, or in conjunction with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is what is known as a local therapy, which means that it will only be treating the cells that are in the area that is affected by cancer. If you have small tumors or you cannot undergo surgery for whatever reason, then radiation therapy might be a better option for you. Or, radiation therapy might be used to shrink the tumor before you undergo surgery. Radiation therapy is also used to kill leftover cancer cells after surgery.

There are two types of radiation therapy: external radiation and internal radiation. External radiation is radiation from a machine; for this treatment, you will visit a hospital or a treatment clinic one or two times a day, usually for 5 days a week for a number of weeks.

Internation radiation, or implant radiation, is applied through thin plastic tubes, needles, or seeds that are put in the mouth tissue. You stay in the hospital until the implants are removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a form of systemic therapy that treats cancer cells throughout the entire body. Generally speaking, chemotherapy is administered through an injection.

There are many side effects associated with mouth cancer treatment. These side effects depend on the size of the tumor and the type of treatment. If you have surgery, it will take time for you to heal, and you will need to treat the pain. You will probably feel weak for a while. Your face may also swell. You might need reconstructive surgery.

Radiation therapy creates oral side effects in almost everyone. You should see a dentist before you receive treatment. Side effects may include dry mouth, tooth decay, sore throat, sore mouth, sore/bleeding gums, infection, jaw stiffness, denture problems, changes in your voice, changes in taste and smell, changes in the thyroid, skin changes, and fatigue.