Cancer is one of the major killer diseases in the world today, and possibly the most dreaded in equal measure. Cancer affects all of us in that if we have never gotten any form of cancer, we definitely do know someone who has gotten it and possibly succumbed to it.
Mouth cancer
Treatment of mouth cancer
Treatment of mouth cancer varies with location and what development stages the cancer is at as well as personal health and preferences. According to the cancer type and stage, one may undergo one type of treatment or a series of cancer treatments. The treatment options could be surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Surgery
Surgery to remove the tumor
Surgery may be carried out to cut out the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around the site of the tumor as a precaution. Smaller cancerous tumors may be removed via minor surgeries. Larger tumors may need more intense procedures. For example a really extensive mouth tumor may require removing a portion of the jaw bone or even the tongue.
Surgery to remove a tumor that may have spread to the neck area
If the mouth cancer has spread to the neck lymph nodes depending on the size of the tumor, a surgeon may recommend removal of the cancerous lymph nodes and to remove related neck tissue- neck dissection. Neck dissection removes any cancers cells that may have spread to the lymph nodes.
Surgery to reconstruct the mouth
After having surgery done to remove any cancerous tumors, another one may have to be done to fix the mouth for one to regain the ability to eat and speak properly again. Skin, muscle and bone may be grafted from other part of the body to reconstruct the mouth. Dental implants may also be put in to replace any natural teeth that may have been lost. The implants may be put in after healing or during the treatment process.
Surgery done on the mouth carries a huge chance of infection and excessive bleeding. Aside from these risks, surgery for mouth cancer also disfigures one’s appearance, interferes with the ability to eat and speak properly even swallowing becomes an issue.
One may need to use a tube to be able to carry out functions like eating, drinking and taking medication. For short periods of time, a tube may be inserted through the nose to the stomach. For longer time frames a tube may be inserted through the skin into the stomach. Tracheostomy- a procedure to insert a breathing tube through the neck may sometimes be done but it is usually a temporary fix.
There are usually specialists a doctor can recommend patients to help them deal with these changes. After visiting the specialists most people are able to breathe, speak, eat and drink properly.
Radiation therapy
This is the application of high energy beams like x-rays and protons. Radiation therapy is delivered through external beam radiation or via tiny seeds and wires placed near the cancer site- brachytherapy.
Radiation therapy is the only treatment one can receive during an early stage cancer. It can also be used during other late stage cancers in combination with chemotherapy. This type of combination treatment increases the effectiveness of killing the cancerous cells though it increases the side effects one is bound to experience. In advanced cases of mouth cancer radiation may decrease the signs and symptoms caused by the cancer such as pain.
Side effects experienced as a result of radiation therapy may include:
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Damage to jaw bone
- Mouth sores
- Bleeding gums
- Jaw stiffness
- Fatigue
- Burn-like skin reactions
Before undergoing radiotherapy, doctors recommend a visit to the dentist to ensure teeth are as healthy as possible. Unhealthy teeth may need removal or treatment before radiotherapy commences. Dentists can also advice on how to care for teeth during and after radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy
This is a form of treatment that applies chemicals to kill cancerous cells. These drugs can be given alone or in combination with other cancer treatment drugs. Chemotherapy tends to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy when they are used together.
The side effects of chemo vary with the type of drug. The most common side effects however are nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Targeted drug therapy
These drugs work by altering specific aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth. () is an example of a targeted drug therapy medication that is approved for head and neck cancers. stops the action of a protein found in many healthy calls but is more prevalent in cancerous ones. Targeted drugs can be used in combination with either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Other targeted drugs are being researched to target the immune system-immunotherapy.
Alternative medicine
As much as there are no alternative or complementary medicines that can cure cancer, these drugs can make it easier to cope with mouth cancer and the side effects associated with it.
Complementary treatments prescribed by the doctor can help deal with fatigue resulting from chemotherapy.
- Exercise. Moderate exercises like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce fatigue. Though it is wise to consult your doctor to find out if it is safe.
- Massage therapy. Some massage therapists are trained to work with people who have cancer.
- Relaxation. Activities that make one feel more relaxed like reading or listening to music is recommended.
- Acupuncture. In this procedure, a trained person inserts thin needles in precise points of the body. Some acupuncturists are also trained to work with people with cancer.
Featured Image: DepositPhotos/yodiyim
Posted on March 24, 2023