About Oral Cancer
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform oral cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
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.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore