Oral cancer treatment In Kolkata

Oral cancer may not always show noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why awareness is vital. Some common signs are: 

• Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal.
• Red or white patches inside the mouth.
• A lump or thickening in the cheek or other areas of the mouth.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
• A persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
• Unexplained ear pain or jaw stiffness.

• Physical exam: Your doctor or dentist will check your lips, mouth and throat for any signs of irritation, sores or white patches (leukoplakia).
• Biopsy: If a suspicious area is found, a tissue sample may be removed and tested in a laboratory for cancer or precancerous changes. This may be done using a cutting instrument or a needle. 
• Endoscopy: A small camera with a light may be inserted through your throat to check if the cancer has spread beyond the mouth.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or PET scans may be used to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will decide which tests are necessary.

However, mouth cancer occurs in stages from I to IV. Stage 1, which indicates a small, localised cancer, while stage IV indicates a larger cancer or cancer that has spread to other areas. These stages will help you choose the right treatment options.

Treatment for oral cancer depends on the stages and the patient’s overall health. The most common approaches are:

• Surgery: It is performed to remove the tumour and possibly nearby tissues or lymph nodes to prevent the spread.
• Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used with other surgeries.
• Chemotherapy: This involves medications, which help to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Sometimes it combines with radiation.
• Targeted Therapy: It involves using drugs to target specific molecules in cancer cells to stop their growth and spread. It may be used alone or with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.