Oral Cancer Treatment in United Arab Emirates
About Oral Cancer
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.
-
Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time:
4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering oral cancer in United Arab Emirates, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in United Arab Emirates 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.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 2,835 – USD 15,120 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 2,880 – USD 17,920 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 2,880 – USD 17,920 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks | Know More |
| India | USD 1,637 – USD 8,728 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,093 – USD 64,494 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks | 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.