Dental Medicine & Dentistry

Oral Cancer

Pathophysiology the term oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx. Several types of tissue make up the mouth and oropharynx. Most cases of oral cancer are because of cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use or the use of both tobacco and alcohol consumptions. The stage of oral cancer is one of the most important factors in evaluating treatment options. A stage I oral cancer tumor means the primary tumor is 2 cm across or smaller and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites. A stage II oral tumor measures 2–4 cm across and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites. The oral tumor is larger than 4 cm across and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites is stage III. Stage IV is the tumor has invaded deeper areas and/or tissues. Depending on the stage of Oral Cancer the type of surgery is recommended. Tumor resection is an operation to remove the entire tumor. Some normal tissue surrounding the tumor is also removed to ensure that no cancer cells remain in the body.