Oral Cancer Treatment in Bangalore

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India and for this reason, most experts who treat oral cancer are in India. Oral cancer is treated mainly with surgery supplemented with radiation therapy. The primary treatment is surgery. As it is facing, the treatment leaves a large wound on the face which scars badly in many patients leading to prolongation of recovery and difficulties.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak’s award-winning innovation of Robotic Infraclavicular Approach for Minimally Invasive Neck Dissection(RIA-MIND) is designed to reduce all the problems associated with these and give excellent results.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak and team also perform other complex oral cancer surgeries like hemi-glossectomy, hemi-mandibulectomy, maxillectomy, etc., along with reconstructive procedures like radical artery free flap reconstruction, free fibula reconstruction, ALT flap, and many other flaps.

The general term for cancer that affects the inside of your mouth is oral cancer. Overall, oral cancer affects 11 out of every 100,000 people. Oral cancer strikes men more frequently than it strikes women.

White patches or bleeding sores on the lips or mouth are typical symptoms of oral cancer. These changes persist, which is how a typical issue differs from potential cancer. Oral cancer can spread from the mouth to other parts of the head and neck if not treated.
Now, let’s discuss,

• Alcohol and tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products increase your risk of developing oral cancer. The risk is also increased by heavy drinking. The risk is increased even more when alcohol and tobacco are used together. More than 70% of oral cancers are caused by the use of tobacco. Tobacco in any form is dangerous.
• Sharp tooth and carried or rotten tooth: One of the main causes of oral cancer, especially among non-tobacco users. The repeated injury due to sharp tooth leads to many tongue cancers. Even badly fitted dentures can lead to oral cancer.
• Beetle Nut (Pan masala): Use of beetle nut and pan masala damages the inner side of your cheek and can lead to oral cancer.
• Age. Risk rises as people age. Over the 40s are most frequently affected by oral cancer.
• Extreme sun exposure. Exposure to the sun can lead to lip cancer.

If the below symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, consult your physician.

• A white or red patch, sore, lump, or thickness anywhere in the mouth is usually the first symptom.
• Pain: Unlike other cancers, oral cancer can be painful in the beginning itself.
• Difficulty in moving your tongue or jaw.
• Swelling of the jaw that makes dentures uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
• Numbness in your tongue or other mouth regions.
• Ear discomfort or pain.

Early detection of oral cancer is crucial because it can spread quickly. Tests for oral cancer include:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will look inside your mouth from top to bottom and may also feel around your mouth. Your head, face, and neck will also be checked for any indications of pre-cancer or cancer.
• Scrape biopsy or exfoliative cytology: The doctor gently scrapes the area in question using a small brush or spatula to collect cells that will be examined for cancer.
• Punch or Incisional biopsy: A small piece of tissue will be cut out during an incisional biopsy so that cells can be obtained and tested for cancer.
• Pharyngoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy: Your doctor will examine your throat, the base of your tongue, and a portion of your larynx (voice box) using a small mirror on a long, thin handle. This is to look for other tumors in the area.

Radiological tests like CT scan, MRI, etc can determine the cancer’s stage. A stage describes cancer’s location if it has grown or has penetrated the surface of the area where it was found. Additionally, tests can show if cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak may use staging data to suggest the best oral cancer treatment in Bangalore and estimate patients’ chances of recovery.
Mostly, doctors utilize the TNM system to stage cancers.

• T stands for the primary tumor’s size and location.
• N means that cancer has affected your lymph nodes.
• M denotes whether the tumor has spread to other parts of your body or metastasized.

The stages of cancer of the oral cavity are:

• TI: The growth in your mouth is no larger than 2 centimetres.
• T2: The tumor is no larger than 4 centimetres in diameter and is 2 centimetres or smaller.
• T3: The tumor is over 4 centimetres in size.

Early-stage oral cancer is often treated with surgery or radiation therapy. It may also require a combination of treatments when it is in advanced stage. The treatment depends on your overall health, the location of the tumor in the mouth or throat, its size and type, and whether the cancer has spread.

Surgeries for Oral Cancer

The most common oral cancer surgeries are:

Oral cancer is a severe condition that, if detected early, can be treated effectively. You should make an effort to visit your dentist twice a year and schedule time to perform a monthly self-exam. One of the most effective ways to prevent oral cancer is to abstain from using tobacco products.

Cancer diagnoses can be frightful. But remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Consult your healthcare provider about resources when telling friends and family about your oral cancer.