Oral Cancer: Treatment

Prognosis of lip cancer is quite good, with a five year survival rate at 95% -100% for lower lip carcinoma and 58% for upper lip carcinoma. Intraoral cancer prognosis is dependent upon the stage of lymph node involvement. If no metastases have occurred, the five-year survival rate is 83%, decreasing to 41% with cervical node involvement and 9% when nodes below the clavicle are involved.

Prevention

• Annual oral cancer screening exam
  • Recommended by American Cancer Society
• Tobacco cessation
• Alcohol use in moderation

Treatment

• Evaluation by a specialist for any mouth lesion that won't heal or bleeds easily; persistent lump or soreness in the mouth, throat, or tongue; or difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Biopsy of suspicious lesions
• Surgical resection, lymph node dissection, radiation, or chemotherapy are all treatment options depending on clinical stage and location