Understanding Oral Cancer Surgery: Role of Oral Oncology Surgeons in India

Introduction

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, with over 143,700 new cases reported annually (Globocan 2022). The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut is closely associated with the increased incidence of oral cancer across the country, especially in the northeastern parts of India. Oral cancer is a condition that mostly needs specialised treatment; hence the importance of an oral oncology surgeon. 

What Does an Oral Oncology Surgeon Do?

An oral oncology surgeon refers to someone with expertise in performing surgeries on the mouth, jaws, face, and other cancers also. These specialists play a pivotal role in oral cancer management. 

They work closely with oncologists, ENT surgeons, and radiation specialists, making them an indispensable part of expert teams at leading cancer hospitals, like HCG Hospitals, Bhavnagar.

Oral Oncology Surgeon’s Role in Oral Cancer Management

In oral cancer management, an oncology surgeon, or the oral oncology surgeon, will work closely with the plastic surgeon and other specialists in order to develop a treatment plan that will not only deliver positive health outcomes but also improve the quality of life for patients. 

The following are the different surgical approaches wherein oncology surgeons work with plastic surgeons and other rehabilitation experts:

• Tumour Resection: This procedure involves the removal of cancerous growths within the mouth, and it is often the first line of treatment for oral cancer, especially if the disease is in its early stages. It may or may not be followed by other cancer treatments.
• Reconstructive Surgery: At times, oral cancer surgeries can lead to deformities due to the necessary removal of oral tissue or bone in order to remove the tumour effectively. In such cases, reconstructive surgeries may be recommended wherein the oncology surgeon performs comprehensive procedures to reconstruct the jaw, gums, or tongue with grafts so that the patients can speak and eat again.
• Functional Rehabilitation: In collaboration with prosthodontists, they offer prosthetic appliances such as obturators, which are meant to enhance the aesthetics as well as oral functioning.
  
• Coordination in Multidisciplinary Teams: As a leading cancer hospital in Bhavnagar, we, at HCG Hospitals, employ a multidisciplinary care approach wherein the oncology surgeon collaborates with other specialists like oncologists, radiologists, and speech therapists to deliver holistic care for oral cancer.

This multidisciplinary approach improves survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Additional Reading: Advanced Techniques in Cancer Surgery at HCG Hospitals 

Oral Cancer: Types and Symptoms

Oral cancer can form anywhere in the mouth and throat regions. Some of the most common types are as follows:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This oral cancer type forms on the lining of the cheeks, tongue, or gums.
• Verrucous Carcinoma: A slow-growing cancer that arises from squamous cells. It rarely spreads to other organs. 
• Minor Salivary Gland Tumours: These tumours develop from the minor salivary glands, which are present throughout the lining of the mouth and throat.
• Oral Lymphoma: It is a type of lymphoma that arises from the lymph nodes in the oral cavity. 

Symptoms to Watch For

• Mouth ulcers that are persistent and won’t heal.
• White or red patches found inside the mouth.
• Problems when chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
• A mass or swelling in the neck or jaw.
• Bleeding or numbness in the mouth for no apparent reason.
  

Regrettably, 60-70% of oral cancer cases in India are detected at a late stage because people do not have enough information, and they seek medical attention when it is too late. 

Paying attention to persistent symptoms and seeking timely medical interventions are essential for effective oral cancer management. 

Additional Reading: Get Expert Help for Oral Cancer: Know the Stages and Treatment Options | HCG Hospitals 

Common Diagnostic Tools and Techniques Used by Oncology Surgeons 

Different diagnostic methods are recommended by oral cancer specialists in general:

• Biopsy: The best way to be sure that someone has cancer is by examining a tissue sample from the suspicious lesion under a microscope.
  
• Imaging Tests: The spread of tumours to neighbouring tissues or lymph nodes can be evaluated using CT scans, MRI, and PET scans.
  
• Endoscopy: Allows visualisation of the throat and deeper oral structures.
  
• Histopathological Analysis: Determines the type and stage of cancer, which guides treatment planning.

Outcomes & Challenges in India

Positive Outcomes

With the advancement of surgical techniques, oral cancer surgery outcomes have significantly improved. Depending on the stage, patients may either undergo one cancer treatment or a combination of cancer treatments. However, studies show that multimodal approaches play a huge role in effective disease control. 

Challenges

• Detection at Advanced Stages: The chances of survival are reduced, as most cases of oral cancer in India are discovered when they are already in stage three or four.
• Failure to Recognise Symptoms: A lot of individuals do not seek medical attention early enough because they think that symptoms such as ulcers or patches are not serious enough.
• Accessibility: While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have top-tier cancer hospitals, smaller towns often lack specialists. This is where regional centres like cancer hospitals in Bhavnagar and other superspeciality hospitals are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap.
• Cost of Treatment: Treatment of cancer may cost a fortune through surgery, radiotherapy, or rehabilitation. 

As a leading cancer hospital in Bhavnagar, HCG Hospitals offers comprehensive cancer care at a reasonable cost. The hospital has partnered with various reputable insurance companies to facilitate a seamless cancer journey for its patients.

Prevention and Early Detection in India

Even though surgery is still considered the main form of treatment, it is crucial to prevent oral cancer. The reason why India has such a huge burden of oral cancer cases, almost 30% globally, is because of the high prevalence of tobacco and betel nut chewing in this country. The following may be some of the effective preventive measures against oral cancer:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and pan masala.
• School & Workplace Screening Programs: Conducting periodic oral check-ups to detect precancerous lesions early.
• Government Initiatives: In India, the National Cancer Control Programme gives priority to early detection, although there is still a lot of work to be done to increase awareness in the countryside.
• Self-Examination: Individuals who are highly susceptible need to constantly examine themselves for sores, bumps, or patches and seek medical attention immediately if they notice anything unusual.

Survival rates of over 70% are possible for patients with oral cancer at stages I or II, but they drop to under 30% in the case of advanced stages. Thus, early detection and timely interventions become all the more important.

Additional Reading: 10 Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Cancer Risk

Rehabilitation & Survivorship

The care of patients after undergoing surgery for oral cancer is very important, although it is usually ignored. After oral cancer surgery, patients often experience difficulties with speech and swallowing. The oral cancer specialists work together with speech therapists and nutritionists to make sure that patients cope well.

• Speech Therapy: Helps patients regain communication skills after tongue or jaw surgery.
• Nutritional Guidance: Soft diets and supplements aid recovery.
• Psychological Support: Many survivors struggle with self-image after facial surgeries. Counselling and support groups help them rebuild confidence.
• Dental Implants & Prosthetics: Oncology surgeons often provide prosthetic devices to restore oral function and aesthetics.
  

As a leading multispeciality hospital in Bhavnagar, HCG Hospitals emphasises comprehensive survivorship programmes for oral cancer patients, ensuring that patients not only survive but also thrive after treatment.

Conclusion

Oral cancer remains a major public health challenge in India, but with timely intervention, recovery and survival are possible. At the front line of this battle are oncology surgeons who perform surgeries that save lives as well as assist in reconstructive and rehabilitative care to enable patients to have their normal lives back.

Individuals belonging to the high-risk category should consider regular check-ups at a leading cancer hospital to put themselves a step ahead of cancer.