Oral cancer, once it’s diagnosed, can be treated. We will determine the extent and stage of the cancer and then begin treatment. Treatment can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer and your overall oral health.
What to Expect With Oral Cancer Treatment
Surgery may be recommended to remove any tumors and damaged tissue so that we can be sure that all of the cancer cells have been removed. If the cancer is smaller, this can be just a minor surgery, larger cancers may require removing more tissue and, in some cases, even bone. After the cancer has been removed, in the case of gum cancer, reconstructive surgery can be performed to restore and rebuild the tissue of your mouth. There are risks associated with gum cancer treatment, such as bleeding and infection, and it can also affect your ability to speak, eat and swallow. With reconstructive surgery, we can restore your ability to eat and swallow. Other side effects may include; dry mouth, changes in taste, tooth decay, mouth sores, thickened saliva and inflammation and pain in the lining of the mouth. Fortunately, most of these symptoms go away after your cancer treatment ends, and we will be with you every step of the way to reduce the risks of these side effects and help you manage them if they do occur. If you’ve noticed any abnormalities in your mouth or gums in the last few months, such as lumps or sores that won’t heal, please call our office immediately so that we can perform a cancer screen during your checkup. Your oral health is important to us, and with early detection, oral and gum cancer can be effectively treated. Give us a call today with any questions you may have about treating oral and gum cancer.
