Oral Cancer and Its Connection to Lung Tuberculosis

Oral cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis?

Hello Doctor, my father has had a white lesion on the left side of his mouth for almost three weeks.
I took him to the hospital for an examination, and the oral surgeon performed a biopsy.
After a week, the report came back, and the oral surgeon said it is suspected to be oral cancer, although it is not certain.
He mentioned that the cells are changing and recommended surgery to remove all the white areas for further examination.

On the day of the surgery, an X-ray was taken, and white spots were found in the lungs, which raised suspicion of tuberculosis.
I was shocked.
The same day, a CT scan was performed, and the surgery was postponed as he was placed in isolation.
The attending physician was changed to a pulmonologist, and I am very scared that the cancer cells might spread.

I asked the pulmonologist if we could treat the oral cancer cells first, but he said we need to wait for the CT scan report.
If it is tuberculosis, we will treat that first and then proceed with the oral surgery.
I am very afraid that the cancer cells will spread.
I truly love my father.
Doctor, please give me some advice.
Can I have your phone number? I would like to ask you directly.
My phone number is 0982112276.
I will call you.
Please, I love my father very much.
Thank you.

Xiao Dong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/01

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology

Dear Mr.
Dong,
If a patient is simultaneously diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and oral cancer, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis should be prioritized.
Although the treatment process for tuberculosis may allow for the potential spread of oral cancer cells, it is essential to ensure good pulmonary function before safely proceeding with oral cancer surgery.
Poor lung function could lead to severe complications during subsequent cancer treatments, as the patient's body may not withstand the stress.
The best approach for you right now is to provide the patient with companionship and encouragement, and to place trust in the physician.
Your father's attending physician will certainly make the best arrangements for his care.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask, and I will respond within a day.
I hope to alleviate your worries.
May I ask which hospital your father is currently admitted to?
Sincerely,
Dr.
Jian-Zhi Chen
Lecturer, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University
Physician, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2009/05/01

More Info

I'm truly sorry to hear about your father's health challenges. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious when faced with such serious medical conditions. Let's break down the situation regarding oral cancer and lung tuberculosis (TB) to provide some clarity and guidance.

Oral Cancer Overview:
Oral cancer can manifest in various forms, often presenting as lesions or sores in the mouth that do not heal. The biopsy results indicating potential cancerous changes suggest that the cells in your father's mouth are undergoing abnormal transformations, which could lead to cancer. The recommendation for surgery to remove the affected tissue is a common approach to manage oral cancer, especially if there's a suspicion of malignancy. The goal is to remove any cancerous cells and prevent further spread.

Lung Tuberculosis Overview:
On the other hand, the discovery of white spots in the lungs raises concerns about lung tuberculosis. TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other areas of the body. The presence of these spots could indicate active TB or previous infections that have left scarring.
Connection Between Oral Cancer and Lung Tuberculosis:
While oral cancer and lung tuberculosis are distinct conditions, they can coexist in a patient, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Tuberculosis can weaken the immune response, potentially making it easier for cancer cells to proliferate. However, the two conditions do not directly influence each other in terms of cancer spread; rather, they may complicate treatment plans.

Treatment Considerations:
Given your father's situation, the chest physician's recommendation to prioritize the treatment of lung tuberculosis before addressing the oral cancer is based on the need to ensure that your father has optimal lung function before undergoing any surgical procedures. Surgery, especially for cancer, can be taxing on the body, and having a healthy respiratory system is crucial for recovery.

1. Immediate Focus on TB Treatment: If the CT scan confirms lung tuberculosis, the standard treatment involves a course of antibiotics over several months. This treatment is critical to ensure that the infection is cleared and to prevent complications.

2. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Once the tuberculosis is under control, your father's healthcare team can reassess the situation regarding the oral cancer. Regular follow-ups and imaging studies will be essential to monitor both conditions.

3. Addressing Cancer Concerns: It's natural to worry about the potential spread of cancer cells. However, if the oral cancer is localized and the lung condition is treated effectively, the risk of cancer spreading can be managed. The healthcare team will likely conduct further evaluations to determine the best course of action for the oral cancer after addressing the TB.

4. Support and Communication: During this challenging time, it's vital to maintain open communication with your father's medical team. They can provide updates on his condition and treatment plans. Additionally, offering emotional support to your father can significantly impact his well-being.

In conclusion, while the diagnosis of both oral cancer and lung tuberculosis is concerning, focusing on treating the TB first is a prudent approach. Once stabilized, your father's healthcare team can develop a comprehensive plan for managing the oral cancer. Remember, you are not alone in this; the medical professionals involved are there to guide you and your father through this difficult journey. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to his doctors for clarification and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Connection Between Tuberculosis and Bone Cancer

Dear Doctor: My mother is 80 years old and was very healthy until last year when she suddenly experienced lower back pain. After consulting a postal doctor, she was advised to get imaging done, which revealed tuberculosis in her lungs. She did not have a cough or pain. After taki...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello: 1. What is the diagnosis? Has it been confirmed by National Taiwan University Hospital? 2. I believe the possible diagnoses are a. lung cancer with bone metastasis b. primary bone cancer originating from the sacrum c. bone metastasis with an unknown primary site. 3. In cas...

Symptoms of HIV and Oral Cancer: What to Look Out For

Hello Doctor: In mid-June, I had an oral candidiasis and lost 6 kilograms in two months. However, after applying the medication for three days, I was completely cured, and there has been no recurrence since then. I also underwent an oral cancer examination during that time, which...

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, oral lesions associated with HIV primarily manifest as candidiasis, while oral cancer is characterized by mass-like lesions. However, most painful oral lesions are benign, and only a very small number that do not heal within a month...

Understanding the Link Between Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer Risk

Hello, Dr. Yang! I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule, but I have a question I would like to ask. I read reports stating that individuals with pre-existing lung diseases (such as tuberculosis) are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. A year ago, my fa...

Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Hello Ms. Tfen: After recovering from pulmonary tuberculosis, there is a possibility, albeit very rare, that it may progress to lung cancer several years later. Lung cancer is not contagious! Pulmonary tuberculosis is infectious, but it is generally not easily transmitted to heal...

Understanding Oral Health: Addressing Tongue Issues and Concerns

Hello Dr. Chuang, thank you for patiently answering my questions. Recently, I've been feeling uneasy about my health. I tend to scrutinize even minor physical issues, and with the abundance of information available, I often come across news reports about young people who app...

Dr. Zhuang Suhui reply Dentistry
A-Zhe: Hello, it depends on the progression of the condition. If there is no smoking, alcohol, or betel nut consumption, the risk of developing oral cancer is lower. Additionally, regular exercise can boost immunity and reduce cancer risk. It is recommended to exercise at least 3...