How to Deal With Mouth Cancer Treatment Side Effects

When dealing with the treatment for mouth cancer, cancer that affects the tissues of the oral cavity, patients usually experience side effects. Armed with information and strategies to deal with these side effects, patients undergoing treatment for mouth cancer can manage the process easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Manage the Side Effects of Surgical Treatment for Oral Cancer

1. Know that scars or changes in the appearance of your face may occur. A plastic surgeon is often employed to ensure that minimal changes are made in your appearance.
2. Realize that there may be changes to the way you chew, breathe, speak and eat due to oral surgery. Ask to see a physical or speech therapist to help you overcome these obstacles.
3. Work with a dietitian during and after treatment to help learn what foods can aid in your recovery. The dietician may also give you guidance as to what foods will be easier to eat.

Deal With the Side Effects That Occur With Radiation Therapy

4. Know that side effects can cause trouble eating, swallowing and speaking and that some side effects remain when treatment is over.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene. Tooth decay and sore gums are side effects that can be reduced by brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
6. Keep hydrated to help with dry mouth, a common side effect of radiation treatment.
7. Take medication to help with painful side effects, such as sore throat, or to control swelling that can affect your voice.
8. Be aware of other side effects that include extreme fatigue, stiffness of the jaw and problems with the thyroid gland.

Know the Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Mouth Cancer

9. Take additional medication to deal with side effects of chemotherapy that may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, weak appetite and fatigue.
10. Realize that hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Although hair does grow back, often it can appear different in color or texture.
11. Be aware that side effects of chemotherapy include an increased risk of infection, as well as an increased risk of bruising. Small wounds may also take longer than normal to heal.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor about medications available to combat the side effects of oral cancer treatment.
• A common addition to a medical team when undergoing treatment for cancer is a therapist to help with psychological side effects.
• Cancer patients have the right to continue with competent medical assistance even after official treatment has ended.