Treatment for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is diagnosed during your visit to the dental clinic.

Your dentist might see sores or discolored tissue in your oral cavity and mouth. She will then check on the roof of your mouth, back of throat and inspect for irregular tissue changes or lumps in your neck and head.

If the dentist sees some symptoms or oral cancer, allow her to perform an oral brush biopsy. This is a painless exam wherein the dentist will take a small sample of the discolored tissue. This sample will be analysed if there are any abnormalities. Remember that cancer is instigated by uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells.  Make sure to have your regular check-up to the dental office scheduled for early detection of mouth cancer. When detected early, there is a high chance of recovery from oral cancer.

If you do have mouth cancer, the dentist will then examine the stage or extent of the cancer. Laboratory tests may be required.  Prepare for an endoscopy, where in a tube will be inserted through your nose or mouth to check on the throat, windpipe, and lungs. You will then find out how big the tumor is and where the abnormal cells have spread in your mouth and body.

Apart from the endoscopy, oral cancer prognosis may also call for dental x-ray, chest x-ray, CT scan, and a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Your general dentist may refer you to a specialist. There is a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, medical and radiation oncologists are some of the kinds of doctors your dentist will tell you about. Your dentist may also refer a plastic surgeon. Be prepared for some surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Before starting treatment, some opt to obtain a second opinion. This is so they are 100% secure that they do have oral cancer and that the oral cancer treatment plan is best. Treatment will be based on the size of the tumor, the place in your mouth where the cancer began, and up to where the cancer has spread.

You may opt for a surgery. This is common practice wherein the tumor will be removed. There are times when your surgeon may also take away lymph nodes, and even other tissues in your mouth and neck. Those who opt for a surgery may or may not avail of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy targets cells in a certain area. This may be used for patients with small tumors or those who cannot have surgery. It may also be beneficial before a surgery as this may kill cancer cells and minimize the size of the tumor.

A common treatment for cancer, chemotherapy may also be expended for oral cancer. Chemo is often given in injections, and seldom is the need for hospitalization.

Learn as much as you could about mouth cancer. Oral cancer treatment includes knowledge about the disease you are battling. However, you need not ask every question at once. You are learning about the disease, and it is best that you understand this through careful responses from your doctors.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com