Introduction
Are you suffering from oral cancer and seeking effective treatment options at an affordable cost?
Finding the right treatment option can be stressful, especially with complex procedures and financial issues, but without proper care, recovery may become more difficult.
That’s why India provides reliable oral cancer treatment through specific centers and experienced doctors. With advanced options such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, India provides high-quality care to support patients in their recovery.
Why is Oral Cancer Treatment Performed?
Treating oral or mouth cancer can assist in avoiding consequences, and there are numerous treatment methods available depending on where the cancer is situated and its stage.
Cost breakdown
The cost of oral cancer treatment is affordable as compared to other countries, which includes the types of procedures, overall surgical costs, diagnosis, and post-operative care.
|
Pre-operative Consultation & Diagnosis | Consultations, X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests | 600 USD |
Surgery Costs | Includes surgeon fees, type of surgery, and hospital stay | 4500 USD |
Types of Oral Cancer Treatment
There are three types of oral cancer such as:
- Lip Cancer: Lip cancer is both a skin cancer and an oral cancer, but is generally treated as an oral cancer. Depending on the area, treatment is usually surgery without the requirement for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or lymph node removal
- Gum and Jaw Cancer: Gum and jaw cancer spreads to the jawbone from smoking and alcohol. Treatment can involve removing the part of the jaw, and some advanced cases need reconstruction.
- Tongue Cancer: Tongue cancer attacks the front of the tongue and spreads to the neck lymph nodes. Symptoms include such as bleeding, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment also involves partial tongue removal, with reconstruction possible using tissue from the forearm or thigh to restore function.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Oral Cancer Treatment
- Diagnostic Tests: Tests such as PET CT scans, biopsies, and MRIs are necessary to diagnose and understand the stage of the cancer. Costs depend upon the type of test and the facility.
- Hospital Stay: The cost of your hospital stay depends on the type of treatment, post-surgery care, and recovery time. It includes room charges, nursing care, medications, and other services.
- Surgeons' Expertise: Experienced surgeons charge more, but their skills can improve your results and reduce complications, giving you the best chance for recovery.
- Progress Tests: Additional tests are needed to adjust your plan as necessary. The costs for these tests depend on your specific treatment needs and response.
- Treatment Type: The type of treatment you choose will affect the cost. Complex surgeries and advanced therapies like targeted therapy are generally more expensive due to the need for specialized equipment and longer procedures.
- Additional Expenses: You may have extra costs for medications, nutrition, and travel. These can add up, so it’s helpful to plan for these as part of your overall treatment costs.
Country-wise cost Comparison of Oral Cancer Treatment
Country Cost | Cost Structure |
India | 3500-5500 USD |
United States | 25,000-70,000+ USD |
Germany | 16,000-32,000 USD |
Turkey | 4,000-10,000 USD |
◾Key Takeaways
✅ Affordable Treatment Costs: India delivers affordable leukemia treatment options, radiation, and chemotherapy with highly skilled oncologists and hematologists. Advanced facilities, making quality cancer care accessible to international patients.
✅ Advanced Medical Technology: Indian hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and have modern infrastructure, providing quality care comparable to international standards at more affordable prices.
Quality of care in Oral Cancer Treatment in India
- India has highly skilled oncologists and surgeons who provide thorough and effective care for oral cancer patients.
- Hospitals use advanced imaging and treatment tools, such as PET CT scans and targeted therapies, for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Many hospitals meet international standards for safety and hygiene and confirm reliable and planned patient care.
- Indian hospitals provide full support, such as diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy, covering all features of treatment.
- Doctors create treatment plans for each patient’s needs, cancer stage, and health, which can improve recovery.
- Patients receive quality care at lower costs compared to other countries, making treatment available without compromising quality.
Best Doctors for Oral Cancer Treatment in India
India has highly skilled doctors for oral cancer treatment, who provide expertise in surgery, targeted radiation, and chemotherapy. With specialized care and advanced techniques, they provide effective treatment for each patient.
Best Hospitals for Oral Cancer Treatment in India
Indian hospitals for oral cancer treatment provide skilled specialists, advanced technology, and high-quality care for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive recovery for each patient’s needs.
Preoperative Preparations for Oral Cancer Treatment
Necessary diagnostic tests
Tests | Description |
Head and Neck FOL examination | Your doctor refers you to a specialist to check your head and neck, especially around the lymph nodes. A flexible scope or mirror is used to see deeper parts of the throat. |
Indirect Pharyngoscopy and Laryngoscopy | Small mirrors are used to visualize the throat, tongue base, and voice box. |
Direct Pharyngoscopy and Laryngoscopy | A flexible scope is inserted through the mouth or nose to see areas behind the nose and the voice box. |
Panendoscopy | If you smoke or drink, a panendoscopy is done to check for other cancers. Under general anesthesia, the doctor uses scopes to see the throat, esophagus, windpipe, and bronchi. |
Biopsy | A biopsy removes a small piece of tissue to detect cancer cells. |
Lab Tests | For throat cancers, the sample can be tested for HPV, which can affect treatment choices. |
Chest X-ray | A chest X-ray has been performed to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs. |
CT Scan | It creates detailed images to show the cancer's size and location. |
MRI | Provides images of soft tissues and is used if CT scans are blurry. |
PET Scan | Uses a light radioactive substance to highlight cancer cells. |
Bone Scan | Check if the cancer has expanded to the bones. |
Barium Swallow | X-rays are carried out after drinking barium to check the esophagus (windpipe). |
Ultrasound | Sound waves formed images of the neck to check the lymph nodes for any issues. |
🟢Do’s Before Surgery
✅ You should carefully follow instructions from your doctor, such as dietary and medication.
✅ Inform your doctor about any survival conditions, allergies, and medications you take.
✅ Brush regularly to lower the risk of infection.
✅ Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated and ready for treatment.
🔴Don’ts Before Surgery
❌ You must avoid smoking and drinking because they can affect your treatment and recovery.
❌ Eat balanced food to maintain your strength, especially if there are dietary restrictions closer to your treatment.
❌ Only take medicines approved by your doctor to avoid any reaction to your treatment.
❌ Let your doctor know about any unusual symptoms before treatment begins.
Surgical Procedure of Oral Cancer Treatment
The treatment depends on the location, stage, type of cancer, and the individual's overall health. There are several treatment options, including:
Surgery
- Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cancer or tumor and the healthy tissue around it.
- Surgery may include removing part of your tongue, jawbone, and lymph nodes.
- Radiation therapy: Oral cancer is sensitive to radiation therapy, which uses high-frequency X-rays or radioactive particles to damage tumor cells and destroy their ability to regenerate.
- External beam radiation: This method targets the affected area with radiation beams.
- Brachytherapy: The surgeon uses a radioactive needle to deliver radiation to cancer cells in the body.
This technique is suggested for patients with early-stage tongue cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy for oral cancer helps the immune system fight the disease. It stimulates and blocks the action of certain immune system molecules so they work more successfully to identify and attack cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted drugs are used singly and may be in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a targeted therapy used to help treat mouth cancer in specific conditions. It stops the action of a protein that is found in many types of healthy cells but is more common in specific types of cancer cells.
Their Side effects include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Infections.
Chemotherapy
- For widespread cancers, doctors recommend a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Powerful drugs that destroy cancer cells are used.
- These drugs kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing or spreading.
- Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, but in some cases, it can also damage healthy tissue and cause serious side effects.
Hyperthermia therapy
- With this new technique, doctors heat the area above normal temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells.
- This method may make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.
Post Operative Care and Recovery
Hospital Stay and Recovery Time
You will likely stay in the hospital for 3-5 Days, and the Recovery time is 3 Weeks
Success Rate of Oral Cancer Treatment in India
The success rate of Oral Cancer is growing, and now 95% of Oral Cancer treatments are successful.
Possible Complications of Oral Cancer Treatment
Complications from oral cancer treatment are as follows:
- Short-Term Complications: Short-term complications occur due to treatment but generally go away after it ends. Many times, chemotherapy causes these temporary side effects.
- Long-Term Complications: Long-term complications continue and appear months or even years after treatment. Radiation can cause both instant and lasting effects. Sometimes, it leads to permanent tissue damage and increases the risk of oral issues.
Common long-term complications after radiation to the head or neck such as:
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Infections
- Changes in taste
- Loss of tissue in the mouth and jaw
- Loss of bone in the mouth and jaw
- Non-cancerous tumor growth.
If you've had radiation to the head or neck, dental surgery leads to complications. Make sure to inform your dentist about your medical history and the cancer treatments you've undergone.
Why Choose RIHLATMED for an Oral Cancer Treatment in India?
✅ Experienced Oncologists: We connect you with highly skilled doctors who have over 20 years of experience, ensuring high-quality and reliable care.
✅ JCI/NABH Accredited Hospitals: We partner with hospitals equipped with the latest technologies, including robotics, machine learning, and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. These advanced facilities provide complete and personalized care.
✅ Additional Benefits: We provide quick responses, accurate cost estimates, assistance with medical visas, accommodation in India, and priority scheduling with doctors. Additionally, we make your arrival in India easy, with airport pickup, hotel transfers, and support during your hospital stay, ensuring a smooth experience.
Conclusion
Oral cancer treatments can help kill or destroy cancer cells, but before starting treatment, doctors will perform tests that help determine the patient's condition, the location, stage, and extent of the cancer. Patients with oral problems are encouraged to consult their doctor.
