Oral Cancer Treatment Treatment in South Korea
About Oral Cancer Treatment
Key Highlights
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Precise removal of cancerous tissue to prevent spreadPerformed by a specialist in cancer surgery for optimal outcomesOften combined with reconstructive techniques to restore function and appearanceCan be part of a curative treatment plan for early-stage cancersHelps in accurate staging of cancer through lymph node assessmentMay improve swallowing, speech, and quality of life post-treatment/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma or other malignancies of the oral cavity
- Persistent ulcers, lumps, or white/red patches in the mouth confirmed as cancerous
- Cancer that has not responded to non-surgical treatments like radiation alone
- Localized tumors suitable for complete surgical excision
- Need for lymph node removal (neck dissection) due to suspected spread
- Recurrent oral cancer after previous treatment
- Pre-cancerous lesions with high risk of turning malignant (like severe dysplasia)
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests: Biopsy, CT/MRI/PET scans for staging
- Dental evaluation and possible tooth extractions if radiation is planned post-surgery
- Nutritional assessment; dietary supplements if needed to build strength
- Smoking and alcohol cessation counseling
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia
- Discussion of surgical plan, potential reconstruction, and risks with the surgical team
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery as instructed
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or poor wound healing at the surgical site
- Damage to nerves leading to temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or pain
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or changes in speech (dysarthria)
- Need for a temporary or permanent tracheostomy to aid breathing
- Complications from anesthesia
- Fluid accumulation (seroma) or lymph fluid leakage (chyle leak)
- Scarring and cosmetic changes to the face or neck
- Recurrence of cancer
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and wound care
- Feeding through a nasogastric tube or PEG tube until swallowing improves
- Speech and swallowing therapy with a specialist to regain function
- Regular follow-ups to monitor healing and check for recurrence
- Meticulous oral hygiene to prevent infection
- Gradual return to a soft, then normal diet as tolerated
- Possible need for adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy as per the treatment plan
- Long-term follow-up for surveillance and management of any late effects
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Typical hospital stay:
5-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering oral cancer treatment in South Korea, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in South Korea 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 treatment. 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 treatment compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 2,835 – USD 15,120 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 2,880 – USD 17,920 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 2,880 – USD 17,920 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| India | USD 1,637 – USD 8,728 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,093 – USD 64,494 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-8 weeks for initial healing; up to 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
As a young professional with a...
As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.