ORAL CANCER AND ITS TREATMENT

 

It has long been known that human papilloma virus can cause tumors of the head and neck. But recent findings have shown that for IDP-positive patients, the effectiveness of radiation therapy is higher than for IDP-negative patients. Moreover, the intensity of radiotherapy for IDP-positive patients may be reduced. As a result, side effects will be less pronounced, which will affect the quality of life of the patient.

Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the oral mucosa. The giandliverconsultant provide the best gastrointestinal consultants in USA.  This group includes cancers of the body of the tongue, bottom of the mouth, cheeks, gums, hard palate and palatine lingual arch, salivary glands. The disease is manifested by ulcers of the mouth that do not heal for a long time, or tissue growth.

Visually, oral cancer takes various forms. In the case of the ulcer form, the focus of the disease is an incurable ulcer on the mucous membrane of the mouth, which increases rapidly. At the nodular form there is a formation of the dense nodules having accurate form and increase in the sizes. In the case of the papillary form, the tumor is a dense growth that hangs into the mouth; this species is better treated than others because it does not spread to other surrounding tissues.

Oral cancer mainly affects men between the ages of 54 and 75. Squamous cell carcinoma is observed in 95% and more cases. If the disease is not detected in the initial stage, treatment can be very difficult and long.

DIAGNOSIS:

During the conversation with the patient, the oncologist LISOD will ask about the symptoms, risk factors and diseases. After that, he examines the head, neck, mouth, feels the lymph nodes.

Clinical diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa is based on knowledge of the peculiarities of the development of this form of malignancy and does not cause great difficulties. It is necessary to assess the location of the tumor, its size, extent and clinical form of growth. To date, the degree of tumor spread is determined visually and using instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.

Secondary lesions of the skeletal bones of the face are detected using X-ray examination.

The task of the morphological method of research is to determine the tumor affiliation of biopsy material, histological structure of malignant neoplasms, differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma, the prevalence of tumor infiltration into surrounding tissues and vessels. All these signs are important for predicting the course of the disease and choosing a method of treatment.

The cytological method is of particular importance for the differential diagnosis of small tumors and precancerous diseases.

Diagnosis of regional metastases is usually not difficult. To predict the course of the disease and choose the most rational method of treatment, it is necessary to assess the number of regional metastases and their location in the relevant groups of lymph nodes of the neck, which is determined by palpation and ultrasound scanning. Cytological examination of points from the metastatic node allows in 80% of cases to make a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis of distant metastases requires examination of the organs most often affected by squamous cell carcinoma. These are chest radiography, functional examination of the liver (biochemical blood test, radioisotope study), ultrasound examination of the liver.

Biopsy- taking a piece of tissue for examination to confirm the diagnosis of the tumor. The material can be obtained by scraping in the area of ​​the suspicious area, puncture with a fine needle or surgical removal of part of the tumor.

Analysis of peripheral blood allows you to assess the general condition of the patient and detect anemia, and biochemical analysis of blood can be suspected of liver and bone damage.

Chest radiography makes it possible to detect damage to lung tissue, which is rare, but possible with a common tumor process.

Computed tomography (CT) with the additional introduction of a contrast agent, helps to determine the size, shape and location of the tumor, as well as the presence of enlarged lymph nodes.

Conducting a comprehensive examination makes it possible to identify the prevalence of the tumor process and determine the stage of the tumor - from 0 to IV. Stage 0 means the earliest stage of cancer development, when the tumor has not yet spread beyond the oral mucosa. The growth of the stage indicates the high prevalence of the process. Stage IV refers to damage to organs distant from the primary tumor.

TREATMENT

For the diagnosis and treatment of this type of cancer, contact the LISOD Contact Center:

In the treatment of patients with cancer of the mouth and oropharynx in LISOD use surgical, radiation and medical methods.

Surgical treatment

For surgical treatment of tumors of the mouth and oropharynx, various operations can be performed, taking into account the specification of the location of the tumor and the stage of the process, as well as the need for reconstructive interventions to restore lost function.

In the case of limited tumor mobility and no changes in the bones (on X-rays), the tumor is removed together with part of the jaw. The obvious damage to the jaw, which is observed on radiographs, requires more extensive removal of bone tissue.

Malignant tumors of the oral cavity often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck. In these cases, surgery to remove them and suspicious lymph nodes is indicated. The extent of the operation depends on the extent of the tumor and can be significant - up to the removal of muscles, nerves and blood vessels.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be the mainstay of treatment in patients with small tumors of the mouth and oropharynx. In patients with large tumors, the radiation method is used along with surgery to destroy tumor cells. Radiation therapy is also used to relieve pain, stop bleeding, eliminate difficulty swallowing.  

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the administration of anticancer drugs. Chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of oral cancer are used both alone and in combination to enhance the antitumor effect.

You need to know that after treatment for oral cancer, the patient may have problems with speech and swallowing. Specialists (speech therapist, nutritionist) will consult and prescribe appropriate procedures to eliminate the problem. The giandliverconsultant provide the best liver consultants in USA. Patients who have undergone treatment for malignant tumors of the oral cavity have an increased risk of recurrence or a new tumor. Relapses usually occur within the first 2 years after treatment, so patients should be under close medical supervision and examined.

30-40% of patients receiving radiation therapy may have low levels of thyroid hormones. Such patients are shown consultation with an endocrinologist and the appointment of appropriate therapy. Patients who have undergone treatment for oral cancer have been shown to be at increased risk of recurrence or recurrence of a new tumor if they smoke or abuse alcohol. Therefore, we strongly recommend getting rid of these habits.

SYMPTOMS

The first manifestation of oral cancer may be prolonged ulceration of the oral mucosa. Infiltration of the muscles of the tongue can disrupt swallowing and speech. Obstruction of the parotid duct causes its enlargement and pain. Involvement of nerves is accompanied by pain with irradiation in the ear.

RISK FACTORS

Smoking: tongue cancer is most common in people who smoke; the longer the smoking experience, the higher the risk of developing tongue cancer.

Chewing tobacco.

Alcohol abuse.

Failure to comply with oral hygiene.

Constant trauma to the mucous membrane with teeth or prostheses.

PREVENTION

Smoking: tongue cancer is most common in smokers; the longer the experience of smoking, the higher the risk of developing cancer of the tongue.

Chewing tobacco.

Alcohol abuse.

Failure to observe oral hygiene.

Permanent trauma to the mucosa with teeth or de