1.What are the early symptoms of oral cancer?
Early signs of oral cancer include ulcers that fail to heal for more than two weeks, white or red patches on the oral mucosa, local masses or induration, and unexplained bleeding or pain.
2.What are the causes of oral cancer?
Smoking and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors, and the two act synergistically to increase risk.Betel nut chewing is a significant causative factor in Asia.HPV infection is associated with oropharyngeal cancer.
3.What are the surgical treatment options for oral cancer?
Early-stage oral cancer is treated with wide local excision.Advanced cases require resection of part of the tongue, cheek, or mandible.Neck lymph node dissection is performed to assess and treat metastasis.Postoperative flap transplantation is used to repair defects and restore function.
4.What is minimally invasive treatment for oral cancer?
Small, early-stage tumors can be removed via laser or electrosurgical excision.Photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers and lasers to destroy cancer cells.Low-temperature plasma surgery results in less bleeding and faster wound healing.
5.Why is reconstructive surgery needed after oral cancer surgery?
Extensive resection of the tongue or buccal mucosa affects speech, swallowing, and chewing functions.Defects are repaired using skin flaps, such as forearm flaps or anterolateral thigh flaps.Precise reconstruction restores oral function and facial appearance.
6.How effective are radiotherapy and chemotherapy for oral cancer?
Surgery alone yields good results for early-stage oral cancer.Intermediate and advanced stages require postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.Radiochemotherapy is used for patients who are ineligible for surgery or have positive surgical margins.Targeted drugs, such as cetuximab, may be used for patients with advanced disease.
7.Care after oral cancer treatment
Maintain oral hygiene post-operatively and use mouthwash.Gradually transition from a liquid diet to a normal diet.Persist with mouth-opening exercises to prevent scar contracture.Undergo regular oral examinations to monitor for recurrence.
