Contents
Oral cancer is a serious disease affecting millions worldwide, and India is no exception. Despite the alarming rise in cases, there is hope for those seeking a cure.
With the latest medical technology and research advancements, oral cancer can be successfully treated with high success rates.
The Prevalence of Oral Cancer in India
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, it is the eighth most common cancer in the country, with an estimated 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
While the majority of cases are diagnosed in men, the incidence in women is also rising.
The Importance of Early Detection
The key to curing oral cancer lies in early detection. The survival rate for patients with early-stage oral cancer is approximately 80%, compared to only about 20% for those with advanced-stage oral cancer.
This stark difference underscores the critical importance of early detection and treatment.
Promising Advances in Treatment
Recent advancements in treatment have led to improved success rates for patients with oral cancer. Some of the most effective treatments include:
Combination Therapy: Surgery combined with radiation therapy has shown higher effectiveness compared to surgery alone.
New Chemotherapy Drugs: Newer chemotherapy drugs are more effective and have fewer side effects than older medications.
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.
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 of oral cancer 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, which uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells, is one of the most common treatments for oral cancer.
Types of Radiotherapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The most common type, where a machine outside the body directs radiation at the cancerous tumour.
Internal Beam Radiation Therapy (IBRT): Uses a device called an afterloading machine to insert radioactive material directly into the tumor.
Treatment Duration
Radiotherapy is usually administered over several weeks. The length of treatment depends on the types of oral cancer, stages of oral cancer and the patient's overall health.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects are rare but can include damage to healthy tissue and organs.
Success Rates
The success rate of radiotherapy for oral cancer varies with the stage at which treatment begins. Early-stage cancers have higher success rates, with around 80% of patients surviving five years after starting radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone in the fight against oral cancer, offering hope and improved outcomes for many patients.
3. Chemotherapy
The most common chemotherapy drug for oral cancer is cisplatin, typically given intravenously. It may be used alone or with other drugs, and often in conjunction with radiation therapy to enhance effectiveness.
In India, the standard treatment for oral cancer is surgery followed by radiation therapy, but chemotherapy is increasingly used.
Types of Chemotherapy Treatments:
Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Given before surgery to shrink the tumour for easier removal.
Chemotherapy success varies with the cancer stage. In advanced cases, patients receiving neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy had a higher pathologic complete response rate (41%) compared to those who did not (17%).
Chemotherapy remains a crucial component in the effective treatment of oral cancer.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular changes driving cancer. Often combined with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, it is still developing for oral cancer, but promising treatments are emerging.
Cetuximab (Erbitux): A monoclonal antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting cell proliferation and tumour growth. It improves outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma when used with other treatments.
Afatinib (Gilotrif): An oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor being investigated for its potential in treating oral cancer.
Targeted therapies are showing promise in improving treatment outcomes for oral cancer patients.
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.
Several hospitals and clinics offer discounts or free care to patients who cannot afford to pay.
Success Rates of Treating Oral Cancer in India
The success rates for treating oral cancer in India have improved significantly due to advances in medical technology and treatment options. A recent study shows that the five-year survival rate for patients receiving treatment is now 62%, up from 50% in previous years.
Key factors contributing to this improvement include:
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Allowing earlier detection and easier treatment of cancers.
More Treatment Options: Including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Early detection remains crucial. Regular dental checkups and being vigilant about changes in your mouth can significantly improve survival chances. If you notice anything unusual, consult the nearest dentist or doctor immediately.
Alternatives to Traditional Treatments for Oral Cancer
In India, alternative treatments for oral cancer include:
Ayurvedic Medicine: A holistic approach focusing on mind, body, and spirit.
Homeopathy: Uses diluted substances to treat illness.
Naturopathy: Utilizes natural therapies for healing.
Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific body points.
These alternatives, along with advanced treatments, offer high success rates. However, the cost of treatment remains a barrier for many people.
