When surgery is used, it is not always the first step.
Reconstructive surgery with skin, muscle, and/or bone grafts may be needed.
Most people with oral cancer will have a team of healthcare providers they work with.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Support specialists such as speech pathologists, physical therapists, and dietitians are also often included.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The tumor is removed completely when possible, along with a margin of normal tissue.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Reconstructive Surgery
Depending on the location and extent of the original surgery, further reconstructive surgeries may be needed.
These may include bone, muscle, or skin grafts, or flap procedures.
Dental implants may also be needed.
Side Effects
Possible complications of surgery can include problems related to anesthesia, infection, or bleeding.
Depending on the size or extent of surgery, eating, talking, and breathing can be compromised.
Speech therapy and physical therapy may also be needed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapyis frequently used to treat oral cancers.
It works by killing rapidly growing cells in the body such as cancer cells.
These drugs may be used alone or in combination, and are usually given in cycles every few weeks.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells.
It can also be used to reducesymptomsrelated to advanced cancers.
In general, radiation alone is an option as the primary treatment only for smaller oral cancers.
Proton Beam Therapy
Proton beam therapyis a newer option in treating oral cancer.
It works in a way similar to radiation, but instead uses high energy protons to destroy cancer tissue.
Inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth are also common.
Damage to salivary glands can cause a dry mouth.
Damage to the jaw bone can sometimes result in a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Radiation to the neck region may cause inflammation of the esophagus (radiation esophagitis).
They are often used along with chemotherapy and radiation.
Erbitux may be used alone in advanced or metastatic tumors.
When indicated, Erbitux may improve survival for those with oral cancer.
There is also a risk of allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is another treatment option.
Many people wonder about the benefits of vitamins or dietary supplements with oral cancer.
If you do wish to try any of these modalities, first talk to your healthcare provider.
There are somevitamin supplements that may interfere with chemotherapy or radiation.
Gathering together a supportive community of friends and family is essential, as nobody should face cancer alone.
Finally, if you smoke, seek out help in quitting.
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National Cancer Institute.Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation (PDQ)Patient Version.
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