Best Oral Cancer Treatment Hospital in Kolkata

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in any part of the mouth.

It may occur in:

• Tongue
• Lips
• Gums
• Inner cheeks
• Floor of the mouth
• Hard palate
• Soft palate
• Oral cavity tissues

Most oral cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinoma, which originates from the cells lining the mouth.

If detected early, oral cancer is often highly treatable and may require less extensive treatment.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Many patients initially mistake oral cancer symptoms for common dental problems or mouth ulcers. Any symptom lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Common symptoms include:

• Non-healing mouth ulcer
• White patches inside the mouth (Leukoplakia)
• Red patches inside the mouth (Erythroplakia)
• Persistent mouth pain
• Pain while chewing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat that does not improve
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Numbness of the tongue or lips
• Jaw stiffness
• Loose teeth without dental disease
• Swelling in the neck
• Persistent bad breath
• Change in voice or speech
• Unexplained weight loss

Causes and Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Several factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes, bidis, cigars, and chewing tobacco products such as gutka and khaini are among the leading causes.

Betel Nut and Paan Consumption

Regular consumption of betel nut, paan, and areca nut significantly increases cancer risk.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use can damage oral tissues and increase susceptibility to cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Certain HPV strains are associated with cancers affecting the mouth and throat.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Chronic irritation, untreated dental issues, and poor oral health may contribute to risk.

Family History

A family history of cancer may increase susceptibility in some individuals.

Types of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect different parts of the mouth, including:

• Tongue Cancer – Cancer affecting the front or base of the tongue.
• Lip Cancer – Cancer developing on the upper or lower lips.
• Gum Cancer – Cancer affecting the gingival tissues.
• Buccal Mucosa Cancer – Cancer affecting the inner lining of the cheeks.
• Floor of Mouth Cancer – Cancer developing beneath the tongue.
• Hard and Soft Palate Cancer – Cancer affecting the roof of the mouth.

Each type requires individualized treatment planning based on tumour location and stage.

How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting the most effective treatment approach.

• Clinical Oral Examination – A specialist examines the mouth, tongue, throat, gums, and neck for suspicious lesions or swelling.
• Biopsy – A tissue sample is collected and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer.
• CT Scan – Helps determine tumour size and spread.
• MRI Scan – Provides detailed images of soft tissues and nearby structures.
• PET-CT Scan – Identifies cancer spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
• Blood Investigations – Used to assess overall health and treatment readiness.

Patients from Kolkata can receive diagnostic guidance and treatment planning support through Fuda Cancer Hospital and Rekosh Healthcare.

Oral Cancer Staging

Cancer staging helps determine the extent of disease and guides treatment recommendations.

• Stage I – Small localized tumour with no lymph node involvement.
• Stage II – Larger tumour but still confined to the oral cavity.
• Stage III – Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV – Advanced disease involving surrounding tissues, multiple lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment outcomes are generally more favourable when cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

Advanced Oral Cancer Treatments Available Through Fuda Cancer Hospital

Every treatment plan is customized based on cancer type, stage, patient age, overall health, and treatment goals.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery remains an important treatment option for many oral cancers and may involve removal of the tumour and affected lymph nodes.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissues.

Chemotherapy

Anti-cancer medications help destroy cancer cells and may be used before, after, or alongside other treatments.

Targeted Therapy

Targets specific cancer cell pathways while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Immunotherapy

Helps strengthen the body's immune response against cancer.

Advanced Minimally Invasive Therapies