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Oral cancer treatment approaches vary depending on the patient's overall health, the location of the cancer, and its stage. Surgery is the most common treatment for oral cancer, involving the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. If cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes, the surgeon will remove them to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. One of the most exciting recent advances in oral cancer treatment is the increased use of robotic surgery.
Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for some smaller tumors. It uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Some patients who have surgery may also receive radiation therapy afterwards to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that might remain. Even if radiation therapy doesn't cure the cancer, it can alleviate symptoms such as bleeding and difficulty swallowing.
Doctors may use chemotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery if needed. If the tumor is too large for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help alleviate symptoms caused by the cancer.
The chances of recovery are much higher if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage (Stages I and II). Tumors at these stages are smaller than 4 centimeters at their widest point and haven't spread to the lymph nodes. Patients with cancer at these stages may be treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Stage III and IV tumors are more advanced. These may be treated with more extensive surgery, along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. Targeted drug therapy may also be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. It may be used for people with advanced oral cancer that hasn't responded to standard treatments.
Oral Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for some smaller tumors. It uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Some patients who have surgery may also receive radiation therapy afterwards to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that might remain. Even if radiation therapy doesn't cure the cancer, it can alleviate symptoms such as bleeding and difficulty swallowing.
Doctors may use chemotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery if needed. If the tumor is too large for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help alleviate symptoms caused by the cancer.
The chances of recovery are much higher if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage (Stages I and II). Tumors at these stages are smaller than 4 centimeters at their widest point and haven't spread to the lymph nodes. Patients with cancer at these stages may be treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Stage III and IV tumors are more advanced. These may be treated with more extensive surgery, along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. Targeted drug therapy may also be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. It may be used for people with advanced oral cancer that hasn't responded to standard treatments.