Oral cavity cancer is our core focus. From the first screening to definitive surgery and recovery, both surgeons plan and operate together so total tumour clearance is achieved with the best possible function preserved.
Oral Cancer Treatment in Chennai: Comprehensive Care
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, encompasses a range of malignancies affecting the oral cavity. This includes cancers of the tongue, buccal mucosa, gingivobuccal sulcus, floor of mouth, alveolus, palate, retromolar trigone, and lips, as well as verrucous carcinoma, minor salivary gland cancers and oral melanoma. Effective oral cancer treatment in Chennai requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on accurate diagnosis, surgical removal, and reconstruction to restore function and aesthetics.
At Mouth Cancer Surgeons, Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya are dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients with oral cancer. They offer a full spectrum of services, from initial screening and diagnosis to advanced surgical interventions and long-term follow-up, ensuring continuity of care.
Conditions We Treat
Our practice addresses a wide array of oral cancers, including:
Tongue cancer: Cancer affecting any part of the tongue.
Buccal mucosa cancer: Cancer of the inner lining of the cheeks.
Gingivobuccal sulcus cancer: Cancer in the groove where the cheek meets the gums.
Floor of mouth cancer: Cancer located beneath the tongue.
Alveolus cancer: Cancer of the bony ridges that hold the teeth.
Palate cancer: Cancer of the hard or soft palate (roof of the mouth).
Retromolar trigone cancer: Cancer behind the last molar tooth.
Lip cancer: Cancer affecting the lips.
Verrucous carcinoma: A slow-growing type of oral cancer.
Minor salivary gland cancers: Cancers arising from the small salivary glands in the mouth.
Oral melanoma: A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer occurring in the mouth.
Oral Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment
Early detection is crucial for successful oral cancer treatment. We offer comprehensive oral cancer screening and risk assessment to identify potential problems at an early stage. This involves a thorough examination of the oral cavity, including visual inspection and palpation (feeling for lumps or abnormalities). Individuals with risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, or a history of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) should undergo regular screening.
Dr. Kalpa Pandya has extensive experience in managing OPMD, such as leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Early intervention can prevent progression to invasive cancer.
Wide local excision: Removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue. Frozen-section margins may be used to ensure complete removal.
Glossectomy: Partial, hemi, or total removal of the tongue, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Mandibulectomy: Marginal or segmental removal of the jawbone (mandible).
Maxillectomy: Removal of part or all of the upper jawbone (maxilla).
Composite resection (commando): Removal of multiple structures, such as the tongue, jaw, and neck tissues.
Salvage surgery: Surgery performed after other treatments (e.g., radiation) have failed.
Neck dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in the neck to prevent or treat the spread of cancer. This may involve selective, modified radical, or radical neck dissection.
Reconstruction After Oral Cancer Surgery
Reconstruction is an integral part of oral cancer treatment, aiming to restore function and aesthetics after surgery. Dr. Pradeep S. specializes in complex oral reconstruction techniques — including the PMMC flap and free flap reconstruction:
Local and regional flaps: Using tissue from nearby areas to reconstruct the defect.
Free flaps: Transferring tissue from distant parts of the body (e.g., anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap, or pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap) with microsurgical techniques.
The choice of reconstructive method depends on the size and location of the defect, as well as the patient's overall health. Our goal is to achieve the best possible functional and cosmetic outcome.
What to Expect During and After Oral Cancer Treatment
The treatment process begins with a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies (CT scans, MRI) and biopsies to determine the extent and nature of the cancer. Treatment options are then discussed in detail with the patient, taking into account their individual needs and preferences.
After surgery, patients may require supportive care, such as speech therapy, nutritional counseling, and pain management. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term side effects. Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Explore oral cancer care
Your complete pathway — by stage of the journey and by site of the cancer.
Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, includes cancers affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. It often starts as a painless sore or growth. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, and poor oral hygiene. Early detection is key for successful treatment.
How is oral cancer treatment in Chennai diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, including visual inspection and palpation. Biopsies confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Imaging (CT, MRI) assesses the cancer's extent. At Mouth Cancer Surgeons, Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya use advanced techniques for accurate diagnosis and staging.
What are the treatment options for oral cancer?
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery often involves removing the tumor and affected lymph nodes. Reconstruction may be needed to restore function and appearance. Treatment plans are individualized based on the cancer's stage and location.
How is glossectomy performed?
Glossectomy involves removing part or all of the tongue. Partial glossectomy removes a small portion, while total glossectomy removes the entire tongue. Reconstruction techniques, such as flaps, help restore function. Speech therapy is often needed post-surgery to improve speech and swallowing.
What are the risks and side effects of oral cancer surgery?
Risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, nerve damage, and difficulty with speech or swallowing. Side effects vary depending on the extent of surgery. Reconstruction can minimize functional deficits. Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya take steps to mitigate these risks.
Where can I get oral cancer screening in Chennai?
Mouth Cancer Surgeons, led by Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya, offer comprehensive oral cancer screening in Chennai. They consult at Apollo Main Hospital, Greams Road, and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Porur. Regular screening is crucial for early detection, especially for high-risk individuals.
How much does oral cancer treatment cost in Chennai?
The cost of oral cancer treatment varies depending on the stage, location, and treatment plan. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy contribute to the overall expense. Consultations with Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya can provide a detailed cost estimate based on individual needs.
What is the recovery time after oral cancer surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery and reconstruction. Initial recovery may take several weeks, with ongoing rehabilitation. Speech and swallowing therapy aid in regaining function. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring and support.
Oral Cancer Surgery in Chennai
Mouth Cancer Surgeons, led by Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya, provide comprehensive oral cancer care to patients across Chennai and Tamil Nadu. They consult at Apollo Main Hospital, Greams Road, and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Porur, ensuring accessible and expert treatment for oral cancer and related conditions.
Concerned about oral cancer surgery?
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