Mouth Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Cancer cells can form on your lips or inside your mouth. The most common type of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is a slow growing cancer that usually does not spread. Squamous cells are found in the skin, organs, respiratory tract, and digestive tract.
 |
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
You may need extra oxygen
if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
An endotracheal tube
may be put into your mouth or nose. It goes down into your windpipe to help keep your airway open and help you breathe. It may be hooked to a ventilator (breathing machine), and you may get extra oxygen through your ET tube. You will not be able to talk while the ET tube is in place.
Nutrition:
It is important that you get good nutrition. Eat a variety of healthy foods to help you feel better and have more energy. If you have trouble swallowing, you may be given foods that are soft or in liquid form. Ask your healthcare provider about any extra nutrition you may need, such as nutrition shakes or vitamins. Tell your provider if you have problems eating, or if you are getting nauseated.
Medicines:
- Chemotherapy is a type of medicine that may be used with or without radiation to kill the cancer cells.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for pain medicine.
- Biotherapy are medicines that may boost your immune system making it easier for your body to fight the cancer.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor medicines may help your immune system kill the cancer or keep it from progressing as quickly.
Treatment:
- Surgery is the preferred treatment for mouth cancer. Surgery is used to remove the cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy is a procedure that uses radiation to kill cancer cells and stop the cancer from spreading. It may be used with or without surgery.
RISKS:
Mouth cancer may metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
