Oral Cancer: Treatment Options and Impact on Appearance and Speech

Oral cancer

Hello, Doctor! Seven years ago, a family member had a biopsy due to white patches on the gums.
At that time, the first hospital diagnosed it as oral cancer and recommended surgery.
Later, we switched to another hospital, but since the white patches had already been removed, a repeat biopsy was not possible.
Over the years, we have consistently returned to the hospital for follow-ups, where the doctors would administer injections to see if they would induce any changes.
Recently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor diagnosed it as mild cancer and suggested that the family member undergo surgery to extract two teeth for treatment.
I would like to ask if extracting two teeth will affect appearance and speech? Additionally, why is surgery recommended directly for mild cancer instead of starting with chemotherapy? Thank you!

OUO, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/06

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry

Hello,
Tooth extraction can certainly have an impact on appearance and speech.
However, it is necessary in cases related to cancer.
The treatment methods for different types of cancer vary.
For oral cancer, surgical intervention is the most effective, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy are only supplementary.
If cancer has already been diagnosed, it is advisable to begin treatment as soon as possible, as delaying can significantly decrease the survival rate.

Thank you for your message.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Kuan-Yu Chu
Director of Dentistry
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2017/12/06

More Info

Understanding oral cancer, its treatment options, and the potential impact on appearance and speech is crucial for patients and their families. Oral cancer, particularly when it involves the gums or other soft tissues in the mouth, can significantly affect both physical health and quality of life.
In your case, the recommendation to extract two teeth as part of the treatment for mild oral cancer is a common approach. Tooth extraction can indeed have an impact on appearance and speech. The extent of this impact largely depends on the location of the teeth being removed. For instance, if the extracted teeth are in the front of the mouth, there may be a noticeable change in appearance, and it could affect speech, particularly sounds that require the use of the front teeth, such as "s" and "th" sounds. However, if the teeth are located further back, the impact on appearance may be less pronounced, and speech may not be significantly affected.

The decision to proceed with surgery rather than chemotherapy for mild oral cancer can be attributed to several factors. First, surgery is often the primary treatment for localized cancers, especially in the oral cavity. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue completely, which can provide the best chance for a cure. In cases where the cancer is detected early and is classified as mild, surgical intervention can be effective in eliminating the cancer without the need for more systemic treatments like chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is typically reserved for more advanced stages of cancer or when there is a high risk of metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). In your family member's case, since the cancer is described as mild and localized, the surgical approach is likely deemed sufficient to address the issue. Additionally, chemotherapy can have significant side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, which may not be justified if the cancer can be effectively treated with surgery alone.

It is also important to consider the potential for reconstructive surgery or prosthetics after tooth extraction, especially if the removal of teeth significantly alters appearance or function. Dentists and oral surgeons can provide options for dental implants or dentures that can help restore both appearance and function after treatment.

In summary, while tooth extraction as part of oral cancer treatment may have some impact on appearance and speech, the surgical approach is often the most effective way to manage localized cancers. It is essential to have open discussions with healthcare providers about the specific treatment plan, potential side effects, and options for rehabilitation post-surgery. This ensures that patients and their families are well-informed and can make decisions that align with their health goals and quality of life considerations.

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