Nearly 8,000 Americans die every year due to oral cancer, according to estimates from the National Institutes of Health. But while there may be a high number of fatalities related to this disease, the NIH also notes that it can be prevented with early detection and treatments—such as oral surgery. If you have concerns about oral cancer, here are five potential life-saving treatments to talk to a doctor about.  

Possible Ways to Treat Oral Cancer

1. Surgical Removal

If the cancer is small or localized to a specific region, an oral surgeon may be able to remove tumors or cancerous tissues. The extent of the procedure will ultimately depend on the size and location of the cancer and may or may not require the removal of healthy bone or tissue.

2. Targeted Drug Therapy

Targeted drug therapy is usually performed in conjunction with other forms of treatment—such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Through this treatment, patients take a medication designed to inhibit the resources that cancer cells use to grow, and in turn, help prevent the problem from spreading.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to the use of a wide group of medications that are specifically designed to kill cells in the body—including cancer cells. The specific type of chemotherapy drugs used will depend on the type of cancer cells in the body and their stage of development. These drugs are delivered through a variety of methods—such as through intravenous injection or ingested medication.

In some cases, chemotherapy may reduce cancer cells to an undetectable level or be used in conjunction with other therapies. For example, it may be used to shrink tumors prior to oral surgery or to make radiation therapy more effective.

4. Radiation Therapy

With radiation therapy, high-energy beams are directed toward the affected area in order to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in the early stages of oral cancer, but can also be used effectively to assist with late-stage treatment and relieve painful symptoms associated with advanced cases.

5. Reconstructive Surgery

After treatment, oral cancer patients may be left with damage to affected areas of their mouth—such as the jaw or gums. Once the cancer is treated, reconstructive oral surgery may be performed to restore the appearance and function of the mouth.

If you’re in need of oral cancer treatment in the Anchorage, AK, area, the Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska are equipped to help. Offering comprehensive oral pathology services, this clinic can detect the presence of oral cancer and its severity. If surgical removal is a viable treatment option, these caring specialists will navigate your oral surgery procedures to eliminate cancerous tissues, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Visit the practice online to learn more about their state-of-the-art capabilities or call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation with a friendly specialist.