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Oral cancer is a malignant disease affecting millions worldwide, and India is no exception. Despite the alarming rise in cases, there's still hope for those seeking a cure.
With the latest medical technology and research advancements, oral cancer can be successfully treated with high success rates.
In this blog post, we delve into the current state of oral cancer treatment in India and explore some of the most promising breakthroughs that are giving patients new hope for overcoming this devastating illness.
So sit back, relax, and let us take you on an informative journey through the world of oral cancer treatment!
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, oral cancer is the eighth most common cancer in India, with an estimated 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
While the majority of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in men, the incidence of oral cancer in women is on the rise.
The good news is that oral cancer can be cured if it is detected early. The survival rate for patients with early-stage oral cancer is approximately 80%.
However, the survival rate for patients with advanced-stage oral cancer is only about 20%. This highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of oral cancer.
Recent advancements in treatment have led to improved success rates for patients with oral cancer. For example, surgery combined with radiation therapy has been shown to be more effective than surgery alone.
In addition, newer chemotherapy drugs are more effective and have fewer side effects than older drugs.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with oral cancer, it is important to seek treatment from a reputable medical institution.
Causes and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
The most common cause of oral cancer is exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus. Other risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Exposure to the sun (for lip cancer)
- Oral piercings
- Family history of oral cancer
Oral cancer is more common in men than women, and the risk increases with age.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
There are many potential symptoms of oral cancer, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible if you experience any.
Some common symptoms include:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
- Persistent pain in the mouth or jaw
- Bleeding in the mouth
- A lump or mass in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in voice
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away for a diagnosis. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of oral cancer.
Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and salivary glands. It can be a life-threatening disease if not detected and treated early.
The good news is that oral cancer is curable in India with the latest advancements in medical technology.
The success rate of oral cancer treatment in India is quite high thanks to the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
The most common method of diagnosis is through biopsy, wherein a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope.
Other tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans may also be recommended by the doctor.
Treatment Options for Oral Cancer in India
There are many treatment options available for oral cancer in India. The most common and successful treatment option is surgery. Surgery involves the removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue.
Surgery is often combined with radiation therapy to improve success rates. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
1. Surgery
As with most cancers, the best chance for a cure is to catch oral cancer early.
The good news is that oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected in its early stages. A regular dental check-up is key to spotting oral cancer early.
There are two main types of surgery for oral cancer: Mohs micrographic surgery and standard excisional surgery.
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating oral cancer. This type of surgery involves removing thin layers of tissue one at a time and examining the tissue under a microscope until all of the cancerous cells are gone.
This type of surgery has a high success rate and minimizes the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
Standard excisional surgery involves removing the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue around it.
This type of surgery is often used for larger tumours or tumours that have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
2. Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for oral cancer.
Radiotherapy can be given using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which is the most common type, or internal beam radiation therapy (IBRT).
EBRT uses a machine outside the body to direct the radiation at the cancerous tumour, while IBRT uses a device called an afterloading machine that inserts radioactive material directly into the tumour.
Radiotherapy is usually given in courses lasting several weeks. The length of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
Side effects of radiotherapy can include fatigue, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects are rare but can include damage to healthy tissue and organs.
The success rate of radiotherapy for oral cancer varies depending on the stages of oral cancer when treatment starts, with early-stage cancers having higher success rates.
In general, however, around 80% of people with oral cancer will be alive five years after starting radiotherapy treatment.
3. Chemotherapy
The most common type of chemotherapy used to treat oral cancer is a drug called cisplatin.
Cisplatin is typically given intravenously (through an IV) and may be given alone or in combination with other drugs.
Radiation therapy may also be used before or after cisplatin to help kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
In India, the standard treatment for oral cancer is surgery followed by radiation therapy. However, more and more patients are being treated with chemotherapy as well.
Chemotherapy can be given as an adjuvant (after surgery) or neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment, depending on the stage of cancer.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is usually given after surgery to help kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is usually given before surgery to help shrink the tumour so that it can be removed more easily.
The success rates of chemotherapy for oral cancer vary depending on the stage of cancer, but overall, chemotherapy can be effective in treating oral cancer.
In a study of patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma, those who received neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy had a higher rate of pathologic complete response than those who did not receive chemotherapy (41% vs 17%).
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets specific molecular changes that are involved in the development and progression of cancer.
This type of therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy for oral cancer is still in its early stages of development, but there are some promising treatments currently being investigated.
One example of a targeted therapy for oral cancer is cetuximab (Erbitux). Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in many types of cancers, including oral cancer.
The binding of cetuximab to EGFR inhibits the activation of this protein, which leads to reduced cell proliferation and tumour growth.
Cetuximab has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma when used in combination with other treatments.
Another example of targeted therapy for oral cancer is afatinib (Gilotrif). Afatinib is an orally administered tyros
Cost of Treating Oral Cancer in India
The cost of treating oral cancer in India can be quite high, depending on the type of treatment required. Surgery is often the most expensive option, and radiation therapy can also be costly.
Chemotherapy can be cheaper than these other options but is not always as effective. The good news is that there are many ways to finance treatment for oral cancer in India, including through government programs, insurance companies, and private charities.
There are also a number of hospitals and clinics that offer discounts or free care to patients who cannot afford to pay.
Success Rates of Treating Oral Cancer in India
The success rates of treating oral cancer in India have been on the rise in recent years.
Thanks to advances in medical technology and treatment options, more patients are able to receive the care they need and achieve positive outcomes.
According to a recent study, the five-year survival rate for patients with oral cancer who receive treatment in India is now 62 percent. This is a significant increase from previous years when the survival rate was just 50 percent.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the improved success rates of treating oral cancer in India.
One is the availability of more sophisticated diagnostic tools, which allows doctors to catch cancers at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat.
Additionally, there are more treatment options available now than ever before, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Of course, the best way to improve your chances of surviving oral cancer is to catch it early.
That's why it's important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and to be aware of any changes in your mouth that could be signs of cancer.
If you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist or doctor right away.
Alternatives to Traditional Treatments for Oral Cancer
In India, there are many alternative treatments to traditional Western medicine for oral cancer. These include ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and acupuncture.
Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses diluted substances to treat illness.
Naturopathy is a system of medicine that uses natural therapies to promote healing. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
In conclusion, there are many options for treatment available for oral cancer in India, and the success rates for these treatments are high.
The latest advancements in treatment have made it possible to cure oral cancer in India. However, the cost of treatment can be a barrier for many people.
