Oral cavity cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can develop in various parts of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and the lining of the cheeks. Below, a cancer surgeon in Kolkata explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of oral cavity cancer.
According to the best cancer doctor in Kolkata, oral cavity cancer can be caused by several factors. The most common cause of oral cavity cancer is tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as chewing tobacco. Consumption of alcohol is also a significant risk factor for oral cavity cancer, particularly when combined with tobacco use. Other risk factors include exposure to certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), a weakened immune system, and a family history of oral cavity cancer.
The symptoms of oral cavity cancer can vary depending on the location and stage of cancer. Some common symptoms include:
Here are some common treatments for oral cavity cancer:
1. Surgery:
The primary treatment for oral cavity cancer is surgery. In this treatment, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue along with nearby lymph nodes to prevent the cancer from spreading.
2. Radiation therapy:
In this treatment, high-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy:
For chemotherapy, the cancer surgeon uses drugs to kill cancer cells which may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
4. Targeted therapy:
Drugs in targeted therapy are used to target specific proteins in cancer cells, which can help to slow or stop the growth of cancer.
5. Immunotherapy:
This treatment works by stimulating the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
We have discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment of oral cavity cancer. In case you experience any of the above symptoms, you can reach out to a cancer surgeon in Kolkata for further treatment.