Mouth (Oral) Cancer- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Cost & Risk

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when abnormal cell development occurs within the oral cavity, which includes the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Oral cancer often begins as a persistent sore or abnormality which can be aggressive with signs sometimes going undiscovered until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Now we are going to discuss about mouth cancer treatment in details.

Oral cancer is more common in people over 40, with an average diagnosis age of 62, and it presents a serious health risk, impacting over 53,000 people each year. Despite its potential severity, around 63% of people diagnosed with oral cavity cancer live for more than five years, emphasizing the need for preventive healthcare measures such as smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, and overall health maintenance.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer?

Non-Healing Sores: Lip or mouth ulcers that do not heal in two weeks.
Abnormal spots: White or reddish spots on the inside of the mouth that may be leukoplakia (flat white or grey patches) or erythroplakia (slightly raised or flat red patches).
Changes in Teeth: Loose teeth or rough patches on the lips, or gums, are examples of tooth changes.
Visible Growths: Growths or lumps are visible inside the mouth, possibly accompanied by numbness, discomfort, or tenderness.
Discomfort and difficulty: Mouth or ear discomfort, swallowing trouble, speech abnormalities, and unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth.
Weight reduction: Unintentional weight reduction with no obvious cause.
Earache: A persistent ear pain that does not go away.
Chronic Bad Breath: The presence of chronic bad breath regularly.
Visual Changes: Observable red or white patches on the mouth, tongue, or gums, as well as a lump in the neck.
Numbness or Dizziness: Numbness, loss of sensation, or pain/tenderness in the face, mouth, or neck.
Denture Difficulties: Problems wearing dentures or changes in the fit of teeth.
Jaw Issues: Jaw problems include difficulty moving the jaw, jaw pain, and stiffness.
Hoarseness and Vocal Changes: Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or vocal changes.
Swelling: Swelling or soreness in the jaw, as well as changes in the way teeth or dentures fit together.

What are the Causes of Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer develops as a result of genetic changes in the cells of the lips or oral cavity, which cause uncontrolled growth and division. The vast majority of oral cancers, almost 90%, begin in the flat, thin squamous cells that line the lips and within the mouth, resulting in squamous cell carcinomas. The exact cause of these alterations is unknown, however, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of getting oral cancer.

25% of people diagnosed with oral cancer do not have developed risk factors, highlighting the disease’s complexity. Other factors that can increase the risk of getting mouth cancer include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and chewing the seed of the areca palm tree.

What are the Risk Factors associated with Mouth Cancer?

Understanding the risk factors for mouth cancer is important for early detection and prevention. Several factors lead to a higher risk of getting this type of cancer:

Tobacco Use: Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, increases the risk of oral cancer greatly.
Alcohol Consumption: Heavy and consistent alcohol drinking is a key risk factor for mouth cancer. Additionally, combining smoking and alcohol use increases the risk.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged and severe sun exposure, especially to the lips, raises the chance of getting lip cancer.
HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, mainly HPV type 16, has been established as a risk factor for oral cancer, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with a weaker immune system, whether due to a medical condition or medication, are at a higher risk.
Age and Gender: Being over 40 years old and being male are related to an increased risk of getting mouth cancer. Men are three times more likely than women to have oral cancer.
Genetic Factors: A family history of mouth cancer or other types of cancer can lead to an increased risk.
Poor Nutrition: A diet deficient in fresh fruits and vegetables has been related to an increased risk of oral cancer.
Chronic Sun Exposure: UV exposure to the lips via the sun, sunlamps, or sunbeds may increase the risk.
Viral Infections: Infections caused by viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are associated with an increased risk.
Previous Oral Cancer Diagnosis: People who have had head and neck cancer are more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Chewing Betel Nut: Chewing betel nut has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer.

What is the Diagnosis for Mouth Cancer in India?

Many tests and procedures are performed to identify abnormalities and determine the degree of the cancer in the mouth. Common diagnostic procedures for mouth cancer in India include:

Physical checkup: Your dentist will do an oral cancer screening during a routine dental checkup, inspecting the lips, mouth, throat, tongue, and neck for any abnormalities, such as sores or white patches.
Biopsy: If alarming areas are found, a biopsy is performed to collect a cell sample for laboratory testing. This could involve removing tissue with a cutting tool or extracting a sample with a needle. The cells are then examined for cancerous or precancerous changes.
Staging Tests: After a cancer diagnosis, staging tests are used to evaluate the extent of the cancer. Endoscopy, in which a small camera is used to view the throat, and different imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and PET scans are examples of these. These exams help in determining whether cancer has spread beyond the mouth.
Consultation with Specialists: Referral to specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons or head and neck surgeons for additional evaluation and management may be recommended.

What are the Different Stages of Mouth Cancer?

The TNM method is used to stage mouth cancer, with T representing the size and location of the main tumor, N indicating if the tumor has spread to lymph nodes, and M indicating metastasis to other areas of the body. The phases of mouth cancer play an important role in selecting the best treatment and predicting recovery.

Stage I (T1): The tumor is 2 centimeters or less in diameter and the cancer has not progressed to the lymph nodes.
Stage II (T2): The tumor is 2-4 centimeters in size and has not migrated to the lymph nodes.
Stage III (T3): The tumor is greater than 4 centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes, or it is any size and has spread to one lymph node but has not affected other regions of the body.
Stage IV: Tumors can be any size at this stage, and cancer cells may have spread to neighboring tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

What are the Different Treatment Options for Mouth Cancer in India?

The type, location, and stage of cancer at diagnosis, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences, all influence mouth cancer treatment in India. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the most common treatment options.

Surgery:
- Tumor Removal: Surgeons might perform tumor removal operations, which involve cutting away the diseased tissue while leaving a margin of healthy tissue.
- Neck Dissection: If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a neck dissection to remove the afflicted nodes and surrounding tissue may be suggested.
- Reconstructive Surgery: After tumor excision, reconstructive surgery may be recommended to restore mouth functions. Grafts of skin, muscle, or bone from other regions of the body may be used.

Surgery is a typical treatment option, but it comes with risks such as bleeding, infection, and possible changes in look and function, such as trouble eating and speaking.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy eliminates cancer cells by using high-energy beams such as X-rays. It can be given externally or through brachytherapy, which involves putting in radioactive seeds near the cancer. This treatment is commonly administered after surgery or as a stand-alone alternative for patients with early-stage cancer. Despite its effectiveness, radiation therapy can cause dry mouth, tooth decay, and jawbone damage. To address potential issues, a dental evaluation is recommended before beginning radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells, and can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Nausea, vomiting, and hair loss are all frequent adverse effects of chemotherapy. This treatment method may be used to reduce tumors before surgery or to improve the efficacy of radiation therapy. While chemotherapy can be difficult to administer, its role in targeting quickly dividing cancer cells is of vital importance in cancer treatment.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted medications, such as Cetuximab (Erbitux), reduce cancer cell growth by changing certain characteristics of the cells. These medications can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Skin rash, itching, headache, and diarrhea are all possible side effects. Alternative targeted medications may be evaluated in cases where conventional treatments are ineffective.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to avoid immune responses. Immunotherapy is typically reserved for advanced cases that have not responded to traditional treatments and try to make use of the immune system’s intrinsic ability to recognize and eradicate abnormal cells.
Palliative Care: Palliative care has played an important part in improving the quality of life for cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages where a cure may not be possible. This comprehensive approach addresses symptoms and side effects while also providing support and comfort to patients and their families.
Ongoing Care and Monitoring: Regular check-ups, oral examinations, and imaging tests are required as part of post-treatment care. This continual monitoring is essential for assessing treatment success, recognizing signals of recurrence, and ensuring persons on their cancer journey receive comprehensive healthcare support.

What is the Success Rate of Mouth Cancer Treatment in India?

The success rate of mouth cancer treatment in India is dependent on early identification, with a 60% five-year survival rate. When cancer is found in localized stages I and II, this rate jumps to 70-90%. Localized patients have an 83% survival rate, emphasizing the importance of early care. However, as cancer advances, survival rates drop to 64% when it affects surrounding lymph nodes and 38% when metastasis occurs. These figures emphasize the important role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes, emphasizing the necessity of proactive efforts in improving the success of mouth cancer treatment in India.

What is the Cost of Mouth Cancer Treatment in India?

When compared to Western countries, mouth cancer treatment in India is far less expensive, making it a desirable choice for medical care. India, known for its superior medical facilities and cutting-edge technology, provides affordable treatment options. The average cost of mouth cancer surgery in India is from $2,800 to $6,000. There are several factors, including hospital expenses, medical team involvement, and patient-specific concerns, influence the entire cost. With a commitment to provide high-quality healthcare at a low cost, India is a viable option for persons seeking comprehensive and cost-effective mouth cancer treatment.

Top Doctors for Mouth Cancer Treatment in India

Some of the best doctors specializing in mouth cancer treatment can be found in India. These experts are well known for their knowledge and dedication to providing patients with comprehensive and personalized care. These top doctors for mouth cancer treatment in India play an important part in the diagnosis, management, and recovery of persons with mouth cancer by focusing on the most recent medical developments and treatment techniques.

Vedant Kabra – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, India
Surender Kumar Dabas – BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
Sameer Kaul – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
Harit Chaturvedi – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
Deepak Sarin – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, India
Sanjay Sachdeva – Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, India
Ruqaya Ahmad Mir – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
K. K. Handa – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, India
Kalpana Nagpal – Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, India
S C Pande – Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, India

Best Hospitals for Mouth Cancer Treatment in India

India has some of the best mouth cancer treatment hospitals in the world, with world-class medical facilities and experienced doctors. These hospitals, which are known for their dedication to excellence, provide comprehensive and cutting-edge care for people suffering from mouth cancer. Patients might expect cutting-edge technology, expert medical teams, and an atmosphere of hospitality in India.