What Are the Treatments for Gum Cancer?

Gum cancer is serious but treatable.

Treatments available for gum cancer may be either clinical or standard treatment procedures. Most clinical treatments can only be used if traditional treatment has not been started. A medical oncologist will oversee all treatment for gum cancer.

Surgery

Surgery may be preformed for all stages of oral cancer. Surgical options include wide local excision, neck dissection, plastic surgery and skin grafting.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is available for some forms of gum cancer, depending on the stage of the disease. External and internal radiation therapies are radioactive therapy options.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is also a popular treatment, depending on the stage of the gum cancer. Chemotherapy is administered by injection into the cancerous region.

Hyperthermia Therapy

This therapy is used to kill cancer cells and enhance radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Hyperthermia therapy is performed by heating body tissue to a higher temperature than at which it can survive.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are a good treatment option for people who want to advance cancer research, as yesterday's clinical trials are today's standard treatment practices. Consequently, clinical trials may be extremely beneficial for some patients.

References

• Mayoclinic.com: Floor of the Mouth Cancer
• National Cancer Institute: Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Information
• Mayoclinic.com: Mouth Cancer