Oral Cancer Treatments

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs in the squamous cells of the mouth, lips, and tongue. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can spread to nearby tissues in the face and neck — leading to disfigurement, chronic pain, or even becoming life-threatening.

Oral Cancer in India: A Growing Concern

India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world. It accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer cases in the country, with over 20 cases per 100,000 people. Tragically, more than 5 individuals lose their lives to oral cancer every hour in India. Projections suggest that cancer cases in India will rise from 1 million in 2012 to over 1.7 million by 2035.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

While tobacco use — including smoking and chewing — remains the leading cause, other risk factors include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Prolonged sun exposure (especially on lips)

• HPV-16 (human papillomavirus) infection

• Poor oral hygiene

• Family history of cancer

Early Detection Through Dental Check-ups

Regular dental visits can help detect early signs of oral cancer. During check-ups, dentists examine the mouth for unusual lesions, leukoplakia (white patches), and erythroplakia (red patches). Common screening techniques include:

• Toluidine blue staining

• Fluorescence staining

• Exfoliative cytology

• Brush biopsy

• Imaging tests (X-ray, MRI)

Treatment Options for Oral Cancer

Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, treatment may involve one or a combination of the following:

• Surgical removal (ablation) of the affected area and surrounding healthy tissue

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy to block cancer cell growth

Post-Cancer Rehabilitation at Dr. Pipat’s Clinic

We support patients beyond cancer removal. Our clinic provides post-cancer ablation rehabilitation focused on restoring function, aesthetics, and quality of life.

Functional Restoration After Surgery

Advanced tumors can affect a person’s ability to chew, speak, and swallow. While soft tissue reconstruction may help, complete recovery of these functions is only partially possible in some cases.

Bone Resection and Facial Reconstruction

Tumors in or near the jaw may require removal of parts of the jawbone, leading to aesthetic and functional deformities. Reconstructive surgery helps restore:

• Jaw structure and facial symmetry

• Speech clarity

• Chewing and swallowing functions

• Aesthetic appearance

Use of Dental Implants in Rehabilitation

Endosseous implants are often used post-surgery to support:

• Fixed prosthetic teeth

• Removable partial dentures

• Restoration of oral function and stability

Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

Preventing oral cancer starts with smart lifestyle choices. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

• Avoid tobacco in all forms

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Maintain good oral hygiene

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Visit your dentist regularly for routine screenings