Oral Cancer Center
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Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth) and the pharynx (the throat) are often discussed together. In this section, we will focus on the oral cavity. Click here to learn more about pharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the throat.
The oral cavity includes many parts: the lips; the lining inside the lips and cheeks, called the buccal mucosa; the teeth; the bottom (floor) of the mouth under the tongue; the front two-thirds of the tongue; the bony top of the mouth (hard palate); the gums; and the small area behind the wisdom teeth. Salivary glands throughout the oral cavity make saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and helps you to digest food.
If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, your care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) may include an oral surgeon; an ear, nose and throat surgeon; a medical oncologist; a radiation oncologist; a prosthodontist; a general dentist; a plastic surgeon; a dietitian; a care manager; a naturopath; a nurse; and a speech therapist, among other clinicians.
Excluding superficial skin cancers, but including cancer of the larynx and thyroid, it is conservatively estimated that about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer annually. That's about five percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. There are more than 500,000 survivors of oral, head and neck cancer living in the United States today.
Factors known to contribute to the risk of developing head and neck cancers include smoking (both tobacco and marijuana) or chewing tobacco and alcohol use. Leukoplakia (white spots or patches in the mouth) also may be considered a risk factor, as this condition becomes cancerous in approximately one-third of patients.
At CTCA hospitals, we use many tools to help you fight oral cancer on all fronts. A powerful combination of traditional and new, innovative therapies are provided by cancer experts who work with you to determine the appropriate combination of therapies. Your treatment plan for oral cancer may include:
- Surgery is often used to treat oral cancer. There are several types of surgical procedures that may be performed for oral cancer. Some involve removing the cancer and others involve improving function. Surgery may help prevent future complications, such as blockage or bleeding.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the most advanced form of conformal radiotherapy. IMRT employs a powerful, advanced computer program that helps us to plan a precise dose of radiation in three dimensions, based on individual tumor size, shape and location. Remarkably, it allows for higher radiation doses than traditional radiotherapy methods, while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Metronomic chemotherapy divides a powerful dose of chemotherapy drugs into smaller doses, given over several days. This approach exposes cancer cells to the drugs for a longer period of time, while also seeking to reduce the unpleasant side effects often experienced with larger doses.
In addition to the therapies described above, CTCA enriches your oral cancer treatment with complementary/alternative therapies, such as naturopathic medicine, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement, and spiritual support. CTCA is with you every step of the way in what truly is the fight of your life.
Next Topic: Conventional Treatments for Oral Cancer