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Ear Nose Throat
Oral Cavity Cancer
Oral cancer (mouth cancer) is a broad term used for cancers affecting the interior of the oral cavity. It can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheek, floor of the mouth, and hard palate.
ℹWhat is Oral Cavity Cancer?
Oral cavity cancers are tumors resulting from the abnormal growth of cells within the oral cavity. The majority are Squamous Cell Carcinoma. They become cancerous when there is a change in the genetic structure of normal squamous cells.
In 75-80% of cases, risk factors include smoking/tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic sun exposure, or HPV infection.
Common Symptoms
Non-healing Sores
Persistent, sometimes bleeding aphthous-like ulcers in the oral cavity.
Color Changes
White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on oral tissue.
Swelling and Lumps
Persistent induration in the gingiva, tongue, or oral tissue.
Pain and Tenderness
Difficulty and pain during chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
Tooth Loss
Loose teeth or ill-fitting dental prostheses.
Hoarseness
Persistent and significant voice changes.
Diagnosis Methods
Physical Examination
Detailed examination of the oral cavity, head, face, and neck regions.
Brush Biopsy
Collecting cells from the suspicious area with a small brush for pathological examination.
Incisional Biopsy
Taking small tissue samples from the tumor for examination.
CT
The most commonly used method for staging oral cancers. Superior for evaluating bone invasion.
MRI
Highest soft tissue resolution method. Best demonstrates Depth of Invasion (DOI) and perineural spread.
PET-CT
Evaluation of distant metastasis in advanced stages and post-treatment recurrence surveillance.
Treatments
Surgery
The primary treatment. Includes tumor resection, neck dissection, and reconstructive microsurgery (free flap transfer) when needed.
Radiotherapy
Used as adjuvant or primary treatment. IMRT protects healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
Combined with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) in advanced stages.
Immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab are important options in recurrent advanced cases.
Targeted Therapy
EGFR inhibitor Cetuximab may be administered.