Oral Cancer Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai- Know your options
Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the head and neck region. It can affect various sites like the oral cavity, lips, tongue, throat, and palate. 
Mouth cancer can be caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. It is the second most common form of cancer in India. 
Early diagnosis and prevention are the best strategies for fighting oral cancer. The information below will briefly discuss the symptoms and treatments available at Smile Concepts Andheri. 
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer usually starts as a patch, ulcer, or lesion that does not cause any harm initially. It can rapidly increase in size or turn into a painful lesion. Ulcers and lesions that do not respond to medicine or gels are usually suspicious of cancerous growth. 
Therefore, it is important to get regular screenings done with the dentist to rule out the possibilities. 
If a lesion is spreading fast, it needs attention immediately. Even if there is no rapid spread, but the lesion does not respond to any medicine, it is important to check yourself. Lymph node enlargement can be associated with oral cancer lesions. 
Our experts will carefully examine your condition both intraorally and extraorally to rule out any possibility of a cancerous lesion. 
If a suspected case exists, checking for lymph node enlargement in the neck area is essential. We have an in-house team of specialists proficient in detecting and treating all oral cancers. 
Risk factors of oral cancer – Oral Cancer Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Family history of cancer
- HPV virus
- Excessive consumption of alcohol for an extended period of time
Common symptoms to note – Oral Cancer Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai
- Unhealed ulcer
- Long-standing lesion
- Ulcer or lesion not responding to any topical cream or medicines
- Bleeding points in the mouth
- Unexplained soreness
- Numbness in certain areas
- Painful lesions
- Crusting and rough surface formation
- Referred pain in the head and neck region
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fever
- Pain while swallowing
- Difficulty in chewing
Diagnosis – Oral Cancer Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai
Physical examination
The first step is a careful clinical examination of both the inside and outside of the mouth. It is important to detect any lump or swelling in the head and neck region. Any unexplained growth or lymph node swelling indicates cancer.
Exfoliative cytology
It is the most common method of detecting and confirming cancerous lesions. It involves studying the lesion under a microscope by scraping it off with a brush. 
Biopsy
A small incision is made in the lesion to obtain a small specimen, which is then studied under a microscope.
Treatment options – Oral Cancer Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to fight the cancer cells, whereas immunotherapy utilizes the body’s immunity to fight against cancer.
Radiotherapy 
It involves using an intense energy beam to kill the cancer cells or stop their rapid division.
Surgery
It removes the tumor inside the mouth through an intra-oral or extra-oral approach. 
The lower jaw is removed with the cancerous lesion involving the jaw. Sometimes, like in a commando operation, a tongue portion is removed with the jaw.
In cases of basal cell carcinoma, the upper jaw is involved. The hard palate and the involved lymph nodes are removed during the surgery.
Neck dissection
It is the method of removing the infected lymph nodes while protecting vital structures like nerves and vessels.