Treatment of oral cancer: surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy

The prognosis of oral cancer treatment, as with other cancers, depends mainly on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. The main problem is late diagnosis due to unclear clinical symptoms in the early stages and possible neglect of prevention.

The approximate average five-year survival rate for a diagnosis of oral and throat cancer is 50 %. If the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it is approximately 80 %. At an advanced stage, it is 30 %.

Treatment requires an interdisciplinary team of surgeon, radiologist and ENT doctor (otorhinolaryngologist). Treatment is divided based on the results of diagnostic tests and classification of TMN into:

• Surgical treatment
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

The tumor may be surgically removed by an approach through the pharynx, the mandible, or a combination of both approaches. Surgical treatment also includes removal of the affected regional lymph nodes.

Surgical removal of early tumors in the tonsils and root of the tongue allows the tumor to be removed without significantly impairing the quality and function of the pharynx.

In most cases, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy/chemotherapy or postoperative radiochemotherapy is chosen.

For unresectable inoperable stage 4 tumours, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is chosen. The aim is to eliminate unwanted symptoms and prolong the patient's life.

An integral part of the treatment plan is the subsequent rehabilitation of the patient to improve the functionality of the muscles for processing food and swallowing.