Do you think cigarette smoking makes you look cool? Or smoking a cigar is classy? Or chewing tobacco relieves stress? If yes, we would like you to rethink your answer. Despite the various excuses you give yourself for indulging in the above activities, you cannot deny the consequences that you may have to face- especially Oral cancer. Oral cancer can be fatal and scary. But thanks to medical science, oral cancer treatment is possible. A popular saying is "Cancer is a word, not a sentence" It implies that cancer can be fought. If you are looking for ways to fight cancer or create awareness about the same, this article is for you. Today, we will be discussing possible oral cancer treatment methods.
Let's Begin by Understanding What Exactly is Oral Cancer?
As the name suggests, oral cancer is any type of cancer that occurs in the oral cavity. It is also popularly known as mouth cancer. Cancer that develops in any region of the mouth is termed oral cancer. These areas include the lips, gums, tongue Facts about Oral Cancer- Every day nearly 5 people in India die every hour due to oral cancer
- People who smoke are four times more prone to the risk of oral cancer compared to non-smokers.
- About 30% of cancer cases in India amount to oral cancer
Oral Cancer Treatment Methods
Medical science has evolved and is evolving. Though the cure for cancer is not found yet. Several oral cancer treatments have been introduced and applied by doctors. Let's take a look at these techniques:Oral Cancer Treatment in Medical Science
The treatment of patients with oral cancer uses surgical, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug techniques. Depending on the stage of the tumor, one or more therapies are used.Surgery
Cancers in the mouth sometimes, originate in the form of tumors. One of the most basic methods to treat oral cancer is to cut the tumor. Experienced and qualified surgeons operate on cancer and remove the tumor from the mouth of the patient. If the tumor is small in size, simple and minor surgery can treat it. However, if the tumor is massive, more complex techniques are applied. In some cases, surgical methods for oral cancer treatment include removing lymph nodes. This is done when cancer in the mouth has spread to the areas in the neck. Sometimes other tissues of the mouth and neck are also removed so that cancer does not spread to these areas. Dental implants may also be needed in some cases of surgery. Additionally, surgeons can perform reconstructive surgery on the patient's mouth. This operation is meant to rebuild the ability of patients to eat and talk without any problems. Reconstructive surgeries involve the transplant of other parts of the body in order to renovate the mouth.Radiation Therapy
Depending upon the stage of a patient's cancer, oncologists recommend the type of treatment method. Oral cancer treatment is also possible through the use of radiation. The cancerous cells are exposed to high-energy beams in Radiation therapy. This exposure leads to the destruction of the cancerous cells and thus eliminates cancer. In most cases, X-rays and protons are used as radiation beams. There are different ways of implementing radiation therapy. These are:- External beam radiation: Doctors use a machine to direct radiation at the patient. This is an external form of treatment meaning that the outer body of the patient is put ahead of the machine's waves. The machine projects high energy beams at cancer to kill it.
- Brachytherapy: This is also known as internal radiation. Brachytherapy is a form of treatment where radioactive seeds are implanted inside the patient's body. This process also uses radioactive wires. The said wires or seeds are placed near the cancerous cells. The energy radiated from them is used to treat cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most basic treatment method for cancer. In this process, doctors use certain drugs to kill the cancer cells in a patient's mouth. Chemotherapy makes use of chemicals to complete the process. The medicines used in this process are given to the patient either orally or through the Intravenous (IV) line. Chemotherapy is sometimes used along with radiation therapy to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Chemotherapy is mostly used when there are high chances of the cancer returning. Nonetheless, these drugs may also harm healthy tissues in the body.Targeted Drug Therapy
Given the impression, targeted drugs focus on cancerous cells, to destroy them. Like chemotherapy, this treatment method also uses drugs. However, the types of drugs are largely different. The medicines used in targeted drug therapy target specific aspects of the cancer cells. The purpose of this therapy is to restrict the growth of the cells to the extent that they eliminate in the process. The aspects that lead to cancer's growth are limited in this treatment. This treatment technique can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used to boost the patient's immune system in order to fight cancer. Cancer cells have the ability to impair the immune system's fighting capacity. Immunotherapy, basically, interferes with this process by cancer cells and allows the immune system to kill cancer cells. The advanced stage of oral cancer is, mostly, treated using this method.Oral Cancer Treatment in Ayurveda
The above-mentioned treatment methods are highly effective. But since almost everything has its pros and cons, these medical treatments have several side effects. In addition, the post-care of these procedures is of high significance. In such cases, alternative treatment methods are most welcomed. Oral cancer treatment in Ayurveda is an ancient technique. Ayurveda introduces natural ways to treat cancer. These methods can be easily implemented in the day-to-day life of a patient.Dietary Supplements
For prevention and treatment, mandatory lifestyle changes are significant. These changes include adding necessary nutrients to your diet. These can be considered your home remedies for oral cancer treatment. Add the following to your routine diet plan to improve your health:- Green tea
- Neem
- Mushrooms
- Leafy vegetables
- Raspberries
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine does not entirely treat oral cancer but uplifts the post-treatment care process. Several benefits are added to your health because of these medicines. It should be noted ayurvedic medicine cannot substitute medical treatment methods. After the oral cancer treatment procedures, you may need additional care. Ayurvedic medicine is the perfect option to fulfill this purpose. However, you should meet with a verified ayurvedic practitioner for advice on inputs.
Yoga and relaxation technique
Yoga as a way of life has proven to be a great benefit to humankind. Oral cancer treatment in Ayurveda encourages yoga for recovery. Apart from basic yoga, other relaxation techniques are equally useful. Yoga experts can guide a patient into the right kind of exercise. Especially in India, yoga is widely practiced and recommended. Pranayama and other asanas contribute to the prevention of yoga in the long term.Herbal medicine
Herbal medicines increase wellbeing and are good for the prevention of oral cancer. It is suggested that herbal medicines should be indicated by an expert. Research is still going on in the field of herbal medicine. Experts are finding herbs that can help in easing the symptoms and post-procedure side effects of oral cancer.Oral Cancer Treatment in Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the branch of science that aims at boosting the body's capacity of curing itself. It is a natural form of medicine. The branch of science is about 200 years old. Immunotherapy is based around the principle of homeopathy. Homeopathy drugs improve the body's self-healing powers. Homeopathy cannot entirely treat oral cancer. But it is a great way of regaining the lost strength and speeding up recovery. It can be used along with the conventional treatment medicine. Several homeopathic medicines are available to help treat oral cancer.Tips to Prevent Oral Cancer
It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure. And since cancer does not have a cure, prevention is all we are left with. Here is a list of some oral cancer prevention tips that you can follow:- Do not smoke cigarettes. If you do, stop smoking immediately
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Do not chew tobacco
- Save your face, especially your lips, from unwanted sun rays
- Maintain oral hygiene
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Maintain your distance from passive smoking
A Word From Credihealth
What happens to your mind when you think about oral cancer? We are certain that you would be filled with panic, fear, and doubts of all kinds. Oral cancer is as dangerous as any other type of cancer. This post has been our effort to create awareness about the possible oral cancer treatments. Apart from the medical treatment methods, oral cancer treatment in Ayurveda has been given limelight. Additionally, oral cancer treatment in homeopathy is another alternative to speed up recovery.Related Read: How Does Tobacco Contribute To Oral Cancer?
Check our list of doctors for oral cancer treatment and get priority appointment slots. Also, you can get estimated cost of Oral Cancer Treatment in India from our top Hospital - FREE Get assistance in choosing the right Oncologist in India and get priority appointment slots.
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