Once a definitive diagnosis of oral cancer is established, the appropriate treatment modality will be recommended based on the type and stage of your specific oral cancer. Your treatment options will most likely involve a team of professionals which may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, chemotherapy oncologist, nutritionist, dentist and other professionals as deemed necessary.
Common treatment modalities include surgical removal of the cancerous tissues, radiation therapy and chemotherapy to try to prevent metastasis, or treat metastasis that has already occurred.
In many cases it is recommended to have all necessary dental work completed prior to treatment. This usually includes basic restorative work, complete prophylaxis, and extraction of severely diseased teeth to prevent complications during and after treatment.
Every case is unique and actual treatment protocols are to be determined by the treating healthcare provider and the patient.
Treatment Options & Resources
Depending on the extent of the cancer, the removal of the cancerous tissues can be minimal and localized or more aggressive removal requiring future reconstruction. Reconstruction can include surgery and/or facial or dental prostheses. Side effects of radiation can be a dry mouth, oral ulcers fungal and other infections.
Special rinses for dry mouth (Biotene) and other palliative rinses may be needed. Additional fluoride may also be recommended to prevent tooth decay resulting from the lack of saliva. The following are links for more specific information on oral cancer treatment. These links are for general information on oral cancer, and are not to be used for determining treatment.
Every case is unique and actual treatment protocols are to be determined by the treating healthcare provider and the patient. The following are links for more specific information on oral cancer treatment. These links are for general information on oral cancer, and are not to be used for determining treatment.