Understanding Oral Cancer: Stages and Available Treatments
Explore comprehensive information on oral cancer, including its stages, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. This guide highlights early warning signs, testing procedures, and modern therapies such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. Understanding these aspects enhances awareness and encourages timely medical intervention for better prognosis and recovery.
Understanding Oral Cancer: Stages and Available Treatments
Oral cancer—stages and treatment options
Oral cancer, also known as mouth or pharyngeal cancer, involves abnormal growth of cells in any area of the mouth. It can appear on the tongue, lips, gums, inside the cheeks, tonsils, salivary glands, or the roof and floor of the mouth. Starting in one location, untreated cancer can spread quickly to neighboring regions, eventually affecting the head, neck, and other parts of the body.
- Unusual red or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Persistent ulcers or sores that don’t heal
- Lumps or swelling lasting over three weeks
- Difficulty swallowing or sore throat
- Jaw discomfort or persistent pain
The diagnosis involves endoscopy and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans. There are four main stages of oral cancer:
- Stage I: Small tumors less than an inch, localized, not affecting lymph nodes.
- Stage II: Tumors grow larger (1-2 inches), still no lymph node involvement.
- Stage III: Tumors over 2 inches, possibly involving nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer spreads to other tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.
Treatment depends on the stage, including surgery to remove tumors, radiation to target cancer cells, and chemotherapy to destroy affected cells. Advanced stages may require reconstructive surgery, while targeted drugs can be combined with other therapies to improve outcomes.
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cell DNA, hindering their growth. It can be delivered externally or internally. Side effects include dry mouth, ulcers, and skin reactions.
- Chemotherapy: Uses potent drugs to kill cancer cells, often combined with radiation. Possible side effects are fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and lowered immunity.
- Targeted therapy: Employs monoclonal antibodies like Cetuximab to interfere with specific cancer cell mechanisms, often used with other treatments. Side effects may include inflammation and breathing issues.
