Treatment for oral cancer depends on several aspects. The main factor, as with other tumours, is cancer staging through proper diagnostic study. The staging of a tumour involves figuring out the tumour size and histological tissue type. It also involves knowing the differentiation of the cells and the invasion of the surrounding tissue or distant organs, which is what dentists call metastasis. The patient’s condition, age, medical history are other factors to take into account in deciding the therapeutic protocol.
Treatment may include
1. Surgery
: Depending on the location of the tumour and its extension, a Family Dentist will use various surgical techniques. Primary tumour resection is the removal of the entire tumour area and its surrounding tissue. This is called a margin of safety. A maxillectomy, is the removal of a tumour, including all or part of the maxilla and hard palate. A laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx. A large tumour of the tongue or oropharynx may require this intervention. Neck dissection may be needed if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes of the neck. The removal of these nodules may also be required. Sometimes the use of prostheses after surgery is required to get back the functionality you need.
2. Radiotherapy
: This is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and prevent the spread of a tumour. The techniques and technologies used allow the maximum radiation to be used, while minimizing the side effects. Radiation therapy can be administered externally with a machine or internally with radioactive materials. Internal radiation is applied using different materials that are put directly into radioactive tissue. The patient remains in the hospital during the procedure. They are to be used both pre-operatively to reduce tumour mass and postoperatively to eliminate residual tumour cells. Your Family Dentist may use this as therapy in non-surgical patients by reducing large volume or the extent of a tumour.
3. Chemotherapy
: These are drugs that kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by preventing the replication of tumor cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery and radiotherapy. During the same tutor resection surgery, re-constructive surgery is sometimes performed by supplementing it with meshes or plates, in the jaw bone or floor of the mouth.
If you would like to know more about oral cancer Mississauga, or if you have questions about dental procedures, contact Robert Hankel and Chris Ehrbright D.D.S. today.
