Dr. Mudhasir Ahmad

Overview

Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, is one of the most common forms of head and neck cancer in India. This may appear as a growth or sore that doesn’t heal on its own. This includes cancers of the lip, cheeks, tongue, palate, the floor of the mouth, and pharynx as well. However, oral cancer can be cured if treated early. As per our oncologists, surgery is often considered the first line of treatment. Thanks to recent developments in cancer treatment, there are now more options available for treating oral cancer without surgery. We've covered a variety of non-surgical treatment options for oral cancer in this article.

The treatment plan that you need for oral cancer :

The treatment of oral cancer may depend on multiple factors. Your mouth cancer treatment will be determined by:

• The type and size of the tumour
• The grade and stage (how far it has spread)
• Your overall health
• If cancer has not spread beyond the mouth or the part of your throat at the back of your mouth (oropharynx), surgery alone may be enough to cure you.
• If the cancer is large or has spread to your neck, you may need a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Your doctors will make treatment recommendations with the assistance and advice of your entire care team, but the final decision will be yours.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that employs the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given alone or can be given in conjunction with other cancer treatments. Chemotherapy may improve the efficacy of radiation therapy, so the two are frequently combined.

The side effects of chemotherapy may vary depending on the drugs used. Nausea, vomiting, and hair loss are some, to name a few. Inquire with your doctor about the potential side effects of the chemotherapy drugs you'll be given.

• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy employs radiation doses to kill cancerous cells.

It is usually used after surgery to prevent cancer from returning in cases of mouth cancer.

It is frequently used as the first treatment for throat cancer, along with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).

Depending on the size of cancer and how far it has spread, the treatment is usually given every day for 6 weeks.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is used to treat oral cancers that can’t be treated with surgery. Immunotherapy helps your immune system find and kill cancer cells. A type of medicine called checkpoint inhibitor acts by blocking the signals that stop white blood cells from attacking cancer cells.

While some people get rashes, others may experience itchy skin. You can always consult your doctor about the side effects of immunotherapy.

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): If you have mouth lesions that are on the verge of turning into cancer, or if cancer is in its early stages and only found on the surface of your mouth, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be recommended. However, it has not yet been compared to conventional treatment in terms of cure rate.

PDT can also be used to control cancer temporarily when it has been determined that further conventional treatment will not provide a cure or benefit. PDT entails taking a medication that causes all of your skin and other tissues to become sensitive to the effects of light. Cancerous tissue becomes even more vulnerable.

However, you should stay in a dark room for at least 7 days after therapy. Any amount of exposure to light might be harmful to you during this time. You may develop serious burns to your skin.

• Targeted therapy: a new kind of medicine called cetuximab is used instead of standard chemotherapy to treat oral cancer. This acts by targeting the protein in the cancer cells.

Usually, those who are not eligible to get chemotherapy( pregnant patients, patients with kidney disease) can opt for targeted therapy.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of oral cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout the treatment. Our medical trip advisors will be physically present with you even before the treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality health care services to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health trip advisors who will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.

Overview

Cancer is considered one of the few dreaded life-threatening diseases, i.e., currently on the global radar. As per the report, cancer cases in India have increased at an average annual rate of 1.1-2% from 2010-2019. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and more recent developments like targeted therapy are some of the treatment modalities for cancer. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for cancer that acts by killing cancer cells with various drugs and medicines. Before undergoing such treatment, you should learn about the cost of the same. We’ve covered the topic in this article so that you can budget for cancer treatment accordingly.

Chemotherapy is intended to slow the spread of cancerous cells in the remaining body as well as to eradicate cancerous cells that are already present. Patients receive chemotherapy in cycles. A single cycle can last a single day or several days. It is followed by a period of rest determined by your doctor. Chemotherapy treatments typically last between 3 and 6 months.

What are the factors affecting chemotherapy costs in India?

The following are the factors that can affect the overall cost of cancer treatment.

• Cancer type: The cost of chemotherapy varies according to the type of cancer. The number of chemotherapy sessions is determined by the type of cancer, and the chemotherapy cost is calculated accordingly.

• Cancer stage: This has a significant impact on chemotherapy costs. If cancer is detected in its early stages, the cost of chemotherapy is relatively low (stages I and II). If the cancer is detected at an advanced stage, the cost is relatively high (stages III and IV).

Chemotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. As a result, the cost will differ depending on the treatment plan chosen for each patient.

• The location of the hospital or clinic: The cost of chemotherapy in India is also affected by the treatment location. In general, where the cost of living is high, so is the cost of treatment. Chemotherapy costs will be higher in major cities, such as hospitals in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, than in other cities. In addition, treatment quality will be improved in these cities.

• Hospital Type: Another factor that influences chemotherapy costs is the type of hospital you choose. Chemotherapy costs, for example, are much lower in government hospitals in India than in private institutions. Private hospitals, on the other hand, will undoubtedly provide better care.

• The dose of the drug: chemotherapy treatment costs can also vary based on the required dose for the patient. As a rule of thumb, a person with a higher body mass may require a larger dose in comparison to a person with a lower body mass.

Also, read- Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy costs in India

The course of treatment will be decided by your doctor. The treatment can be given to the patients in three ways, which include oral, intravenous(IV), and through injections. Generally, the cost may vary depending on the way in which it’s given.

The price of oral chemotherapy may range from Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000. If it had been given through IV, the cost might have ranged from Rs.70,000 to Rs.1,00,000.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of prostate cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout the treatment. Our health trip advisors will be physically present with you even before the medical treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality medical tourism in India to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health trip advisors who will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.

Overview

The first question you might ask your doctor after receiving a cancer diagnosis is about the side effects of chemotherapy, or "chemo." While chemotherapy drugs are useful enough for treating cancer, they might do a lot more than cure cancer. Chemotherapy can have a variety of unpleasant side effects, although many of them can be prevented once your treatment is over. Here we’ve listed various side effects of chemotherapy that you should know about.

• Tiredness: One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is tiredness (fatigue).

Many people undergoing treatment are tired most of the time or tire easily while performing daily tasks.

It can help to:

-Get plenty of sleep

-Avoid tasks or activities that you are not up to.

-If you're able, do some light exercise, such as walking or yoga, to boost your energy level; however, don't push yourself too hard.

-Request assistance from friends and family with daily tasks.

-If you work, you may want to request time off from your employer or work part-time until your treatment is completed.

• Hair loss: Chemotherapy can harm hair follicles, causing hair to become weak, brittle, and fall out. Any regrown hair may be of a different texture or color. This usually continues until the treatment is finished, at which point the hair almost always regrows.

• Easy bruising and bleeding: Chemotherapy can make you bruise or bleed more easily. This is a common side effect of chemotherapy, according to Trusted Source.

It is dangerous to bleed more heavily than usual. Precautions, such as wearing gloves when gardening or cutting food, are recommended. Take extra precautions to avoid injuries such as falls.

• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur unexpectedly. These problems can occur immediately following each chemotherapy session or days later.

Changes in eating habits, such as eating fewer meals or avoiding certain foods, can be beneficial. Antinausea medications can also help, especially if the side effects occur at regular intervals, such as immediately after chemotherapy.

Also, read- Cancer Survival Rate & Life Expectancy

• Memory problems: During chemotherapy, some people experience difficulties with their short-term memory, concentration, and attention span. Routine tasks may take significantly longer than usual.

However, the effects may wear off once your treatment is over.

Also, read- Maintenance Therapy for Successful Cancer Treatment

• Anemia: Chemotherapy reduces the number of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia develops when your red blood cell count falls too low.

Anemia symptoms include:

-Tiredness and a lack of energy are more common than the general fatigue associated with chemotherapy.

-Breathing difficulties

-Heartbeats that are noticeable (heart palpitations)

-Pale complexion

If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your care team as soon as possible. You may require treatment to increase your red blood cell count.

• Sore mouth: Chemotherapy can cause soreness and irritation of the mouth lining. This is referred to as mucositis.

Symptoms typically appear a few days after treatment begins and include:

-Ulcers in the mouth

-Discomfort while eating, drinking, or talking

-Dryness in the mouth

• Sleep problems: Some chemotherapy patients have difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and are unable to return to sleep. This is referred to as insomnia.

Also, read- Photodynamic Therapy - Most Successful Cancer Treatment

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout the treatment. Our health trip advisors will be physically present with you even before the treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality medical tourism services to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health trip advisors who will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.

Overview

Oral cancer is considered one of the most common cancers in India. Oral or mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the sides of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. This can also affect the oropharynx, i.e., the last part of your tongue and the sides and back of your throat. Oral cancer can be fatal if left untreated. Here we’ve discussed mouth cancer symptoms that you need to know about. Keep on reading this blog to find out more about the same.

What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?

The following are the symptoms that can be caused by oral cancer or even by other cancers. The most common symptoms include:

• Mouth pain that does not go away
• Lips, mouth, or cheek thickening or lump
• Non-healing sore in the lip
• A white or red patch that appears on the tonsil, tongue, gums, or mouth lining
• A sore throat or the sensation that something is stuck in your throat that won't go away
• Having difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Having difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness of the tongue, lip, or other mouth areas
• A swollen or painful tongue
• Teeth loosening or pain around the teeth
• Voice alteration
• A mass or lump in the neck or the back of the throat
• Loss of weight

If any of the symptoms mentioned above persist for more than two weeks, seek medical attention. Consult your dentist immediately so the cause can be found and treated, if required.

Who gets oral cancer?

According to the WHO, oral cancer affects 20 per 1 lakh people in India, accounting for about 30% of all cancers. In India, around 77,000 new cases are reported annually.

How can you prevent the risk of developing mouth cancer?

As per our mouth cancer specialists, there is no proven method of preventing mouth cancer. However, if you do the following, you can lessen your risk of getting mouth cancer:

Stop using tobacco if you do. Don't start smoking if you don't already. Chewing or smoking tobacco exposes the cells in your mouth to chemicals that can cause cancer.

If you take alcohol, do so in moderation. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the cells of your mouth making them vulnerable to mouth cancer. For healthy adults, no more than one drink per day is allowed. Women of all ages and men over the age of 65 should not have more than two drinks per day.

Also, Read - 10 Best Mouth Cancer Treatment Hospitals In India

Avoid getting too much sun on your lips. Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your entire face, including your mouth. Use a sunscreen lip product as part of your regular sun protection routine.

Regularly visiting your dentist can help you keep these symptoms at bay. During a routine dental exam, ask your dentist to look for any abnormalities that might point to mouth cancer or precancerous changes throughout your entire mouth.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of mouth cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout the treatment. Our health trip advisors will be physically present with you even before the treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality medical tourism to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health trip advisors who will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.