Is Mouth Cancer Curable? Dr. Amit Chakraborty Advice

Overview

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the tissues in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth. It can also affect the salivary glands, pharynx, and larynx. Mouth cancer is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 40, and it is more common in men than women.

Is Treatment Of Mouth Cancer Possible ?

Mouth cancer is a serious condition, but it is highly curable if detected early. The 5-year survival rate for those with early stage mouth cancer is 80-90%. However, the survival rate drops to 50% for those with late stage mouth cancer. This is why it is so important to see a dentist or doctor regularly so that any suspicious lesions can be detected early and treated.

There are several treatment options available for mouth cancer, depending on the stage of cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for mouth cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumour, surgery may involve removing part of the tongue, gums, or cheek. In some cases, the entire tongue may need to be removed. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used, either alone or in combination with surgery.

Mouth cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, but treatment is possible and the prognosis is good if the cancer is caught early.

Is it Possible to Treat Mouth Cancer without Surgery?

Non-surgical treatments for mouth cancer, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are sometimes used in addition to surgery, but surgery is the most common treatment. In some cases, surgery may be the only treatment necessary.

• Radiation therapy:

  Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is typically given in combination with surgery.

  Radiation therapy can be given externally, from a machine outside the body, or internally, from implants placed inside the body

  The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the dose and how it is given. External radiation therapy may cause skin reactions, such as redness and irritation. Internal radiation therapy may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

• Chemotherapy:

  Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically given in combination with surgery.

  The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and dose of the drug used. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.

  Mouth cancer is a serious condition, but it is possible to treat it effectively if it is caught early. If you are concerned about any changes in your mouth, be sure to see a dentist or doctor so that they can rule out cancer.

   

Treatment Success rate in each stage of mouth cancer

• Stage 0: The cancer is still in the tissue where it started. There is no evidence that it has spread. The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 0 mouth cancer is 100%.
• Stage 1: Cancer has grown, but it is still small and has not spread. The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 1 mouth cancer is 80-90%.
• Stage 2: Cancer has grown and spread to nearby tissues. The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 2 mouth cancer is 50-60%.
• Stage 3: Cancer has grown and spread to the lymph nodes. The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 3 mouth cancer is 30-40%.
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 4 mouth cancer is 20-30%. Although treatment success rates vary depending on the stage of cancer, it is important to remember that treatment is possible and the prognosis is good if the cancer is caught early. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Piece of Advice from Oral Cancer Surgeon

Cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining, and floor of the mouth. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from mouth cancer is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.