Learn about Oral Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Oral Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove malignant tumors and affected tissues from the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. The goal is to completely excise the cancer while preserving as much function and appearance as possible. Depending on the cancer's stage and location, the surgery may involve a wide local excision, a partial or total glossectomy (tongue removal), a mandibulectomy (jawbone removal), or a maxillectomy (upper jaw removal). Reconstructive surgery using grafts or flaps is often performed simultaneously to restore form and function. This procedure is a cornerstone of treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma and is frequently combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy for optimal outcomes.

Key Highlights

    Primary curative treatment for localized oral cancers.Allows for precise removal of the tumor with clear margins to reduce recurrence risk.Often combined with immediate reconstructive surgery to restore appearance and function (speech, swallowing).Provides tissue samples for definitive pathological diagnosis and staging.Can be performed using advanced techniques like transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for minimally invasive access in select cases.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or other malignancies in the oral cavity.
  • Persistent leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches) with confirmed dysplasia or malignancy.
  • A visible lump, ulcer, or sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.
  • Persistent pain, numbness, or bleeding in the mouth without an obvious cause.
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw linked to a confirmed tumor.
  • Cancer that has not metastasized (spread) distantly (localized or locally advanced disease).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic workup including biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scan), and dental evaluation.
  • Pre-operative counseling with the surgical, anesthesia, and reconstructive teams.
  • Nutritional assessment; dietary supplements may be recommended to improve healing.
  • Cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption well before surgery.
  • Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Arranging for post-operative care and support at home for the recovery period.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
  • Functional impairments: Temporary or permanent difficulty with speech (dysarthria), chewing, and swallowing (dysphagia).
  • Altered appearance: Changes in facial contour, especially if jawbone is removed.
  • Numbness or loss of sensation in the lips, chin, or tongue due to nerve damage.
  • Dental problems and jaw stiffness (trismus).
  • Complications related to reconstructive flaps, such as graft failure or fistula formation.
  • Recurrence of cancer.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and wound care.
  • Nutrition via a feeding tube (nasogastric or PEG) may be required until swallowing is safe.
  • Intensive speech and swallowing therapy with a specialist to regain function.
  • Meticulous oral hygiene routines to prevent infection.
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and for surveillance of cancer recurrence.
  • Gradual return to a soft diet as tolerated, advancing based on therapist guidance.
  • Possible need for additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy after healing.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering oral cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for oral cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Robert Saxena, a 58-year-old former history...

Robert Saxena, a 58-year-old former history professor, had been a pipe smoker for decades. He noticed a persistent, painless white patch on the side of his tongue that wouldn't go away. After ignoring it for months, he finally saw his dentist, who immediately referred him to a surgical oncologist. A biopsy confirmed early-stage squamous cell carcinoma. The oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a partial glossectomy (tongue resection) to remove the tumor with clear margins, explaining it offered the best chance of cure while preserving speech and swallowing function. Robert was terrified of losing his ability to speak clearly, essential to his identity. The surgery went well, and though his speech was initially slurred and swallowing difficult, with intensive speech and physical therapy, he regained over 90% of his function. The emotional journey was profound; pre-surgery, he grappled with fear and regret over his smoking. Post-recovery, he felt a deep gratitude for modern medicine and a renewed commitment to his health, becoming a vocal advocate for oral cancer screenings.

Surgical Oncologists for Oral Cancer

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform oral cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated