Oral Cancer Treatment in Noida, Delhi, India

Overview

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that affects various parts of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and hard palate. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells. According to statistics, the incidence rate is about 10.5 cases per 100,000 adults. Key risk factors include excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. The most common early sign of oral cancer is an ulcer that does not heal within two weeks. Timely detection and treatment are crucial for survival.

Types of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be categorized based on the specific area of the oral cavity affected:

1. Tongue Cancer
2. Lip Cancer
3. Cheek Cancer (Buccal Mucosa)
4. Floor of the Mouth Cancer
5. Gum Cancer (Upper and Lower Alveolus)
6. Hard Palate Cancer

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often presents with minimal symptoms initially. Common signs include:

1. Non-healing Ulcer: A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal.
2. Painless Mass: A growth or lump on any surface of the mouth.
3. White or Red Patches: Lesions with a white or red appearance in the mouth.
4. Swelling or Rough Spots: Changes in the texture of the mouth lining.
5. Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding from gums or other areas.
6. Sore Throat or Hoarseness: Persistent sore throat or changes in voice.
7. Difficulty with Eating or Speaking: Pain or discomfort while eating or speaking.
8. Restricted Mouth Opening: Decreased ability to open the mouth.
9. Ear Pain: Pain in the ear on the affected side.
10. Loose Dentures: Changes in fit or discomfort with dentures.
11. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without a clear cause.

Causes of Oral Cancer

The primary risk factors for oral cancer include:

1. Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco greatly heightens the risk of developing oral cancer.
2. Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking is a major risk factor.
3. Areca Nut (Supari): Regular use can lead to oral sub-mucous fibrosis and increase cancer risk.
4. Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can lead to cancer of the lips and surrounding areas.
5. Chronic Trauma: Persistent irritation from sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer

Diagnosis of oral cancer involves several steps:

1. Physical Examination: Checking for lumps, abnormal growths, or non-healing sores.
2. Biopsy: Sampling affected tissue for analysis. Methods include:
   • Incision Biopsy: Removal of a small section of tissue.
   • Punch Biopsy: Extraction of a small core of tissue.
   • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC): Collecting cells from a lump in the neck.
   • Fibre Optic Nasopharyngoscopy: Using a flexible tube to examine the nose and throat.
   • Panendoscopy: Examining the mouth, throat, and voice box with a larger tube.
3. Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans to assess the cancer stage.

Staging and Grading

Staging and grading help determine the extent and aggressiveness of oral cancer:

• Staging: Uses the TNM system:
• T: Size of the tumor.
• N: Spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• M: Metastasis to other parts of the body.
• Grading: Indicates the cancer’s aggressiveness, ranging from low (slow-growing) to high (aggressive).

Treatment Options

Treatment aims to remove cancerous cells while preserving mouth function:

1. Surgery: Removal of cancerous tissue and surrounding healthy tissue, often requiring reconstruction with flaps.
2. Radiotherapy: Uses radiation to kill cancer cells, often used in conjunction with surgery.
3. Chemotherapy: Utilizes drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, frequently combined with surgery and radiotherapy.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

1. Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.
2. Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of antioxidant-rich foods.
3. Sun Protection: Using sunscreen to prevent lip cancer.
4. Regular Screenings: Especially for high-risk individuals or those with suspicious symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for oral cancer varies based on stage and location. Early-stage tumors have a favorable outlook, while advanced stages require comprehensive treatment. Advances in surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have improved outcomes even in more advanced cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Oral Cancer Treatable?

Yes, if diagnosed early and localized, surgery can often lead to complete recovery. Advanced cases may require a combination of treatments.

Q2. What is the Typical Recovery Time After Oral Cancer Surgery?

Recovery time varies based on the extent of the surgery but generally takes several weeks. Advanced reconstructive techniques can shorten recovery time.

Q3. Can Oral Cancer Treatment Affect Speaking and Eating Abilities?

Yes, treatment may impact these abilities, depending on the location and extent of the cancer and the type of treatment.

Q4. Can Oral Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?

Yes, it can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and other areas.

Q5. Can Oral Cancer Recur After Treatment?

There is a risk of recurrence, influenced by factors such as the stage and aggressiveness of the original cancer and the treatment provided.