SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of oral cancer may include red, white and/or a mixture of these colors in patches, a non-healing sore in the mouth or on the lips, bleeding, loose teeth, new denture problems, lumps or bumps on the neck.The lumps and bumps in the neck denote lymphnodes where the cancers spread. Pain is typically a late feature.

EVALUATION

An evaluation should be done by individual head-and-neck specialists before any treatment begins. It is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical examination. Usually endoscopies are not required, as oral cancers can be seen by simple torch-light examination. If any suspicious area is noted, a piece of tissue is taken(biopsy) to establish the diagnosis. This is usual done under local anesthesia in the minor OT. Imaging by CT scan, MRI and in rare cases, PET-CT will be requested to stage the tumour. Investigations to assess general fitness of the patient are done before a comprehensive decision can be taken to proceed with the treatment.

TREATMENT

The treatment for oral cancer is primarily surgical, if the tumour is operable and the paient is otherwise fit. Surgery can cause scars in face, neck, altered appearance, difficulty in chewing, maloccusion of teeth, change in speech quality. Reconstruction of surgical defect by local, regional and free flaps, is therefore an important part of treatment. After treatment and rehabilitation, regular checkups are needed to make sure that the oral cancer does not recur. Oral cancer treatment can result in significant lifestyle changes; most patients are advised to discuss lifestyle problems with professionals to help patients get the care they may need.