Oral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth or throat. Oral cancer is fairly common and very curable if found and treated at an early stage. A healthcare provider or dentist often finds oral cancer in its early stages because the mouth can be easily examined.
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All tobacco products, from cigarettes to snuff, contain toxins, carcinogens, and nicotine, an addictive substance.
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Tests after a diagnosis of oral cancer can help your healthcare provider learn more about your cancer to help decide the best treatment.
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The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. The stage of a cancer is one of the most important things to know when deciding how to treat the cancer.
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Oral cancer is often curable, especially if it is found early. Treatment can also help control oral cancer, meaning it may help control symptoms or reduce its spread. Once you know the type and stage of oral cancer you have, you and your healthcare provider will decide on a treatment plan. Read on to learn more.
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These questions can help you communicate with your healthcare provider and know what to expect for your treatment.
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Chemotherapy uses anticancer medicines to kill cancer cells. The medicines are made to attack and kill cancer cells that grow quickly. Some normal cells also grow quickly. Because of this, chemotherapy can also harm those cells. This can cause side effects.
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Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer that uses high-energy X-rays. A machine directs the rays of energy to the area of cancer. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this treatment.
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Learn about the surgical choices for treatment of oral cancer.
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Complementary medicine is used along with other therapies. It often serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment.
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You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.
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Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away.
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Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.
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To reduce your risk for infection, avoid people who are sick with contagious illnesses, including colds, the flu, measles, or chickenpox.
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Detailed information on radiation therapy, one type of cancer treatment.
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Some risk factors for oral cancer, such as family history, may not be in your control. But others may be things you can change. Knowing the risk factors can help you make choices that might lower your risk.
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Oral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth or throat. Oral cancer is fairly common and very curable if found and treated at an early stage. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
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