Oral Cancer

Why in News?

Recently, it has been suggested that identifying oral cancer in Stages I and II can increase the 5-year survival rate to 80–90%, compared to significantly lower survival when diagnosed at an advanced stage.

• Oral cancer - Cancer that forms in tissues of the oral cavity (the mouth) or the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth).

Oral cancer in India

• Annual cases - Over 1,35,000 new cases reported annually, remains one of the most prevalent cancers in India.
• Disease burden - India accounts for nearly one-third of the global incidence of the disease, according to GLOBOCAN 2020 and the National Cancer Registry Programme.
• Major contributing factors - Use of smokeless tobacco, betel quid, and areca nut, especially in underserved communities.
• Precancerous conditions - Leucoplakia or oral submucous fibrosis.

• Early diagnosis - When diagnosed at an early stage, oral cancer is highly treatable, with five-year survival rates exceeding 80% for Stage I and II cases.
• Use of Advanced tools -VELscope and Oncodiagnoscope should be used to screen suspicious red or white patches in the oral cavity.
• Regular surveillance- High-risk patients who underwent biopsy should be placed under regular surveillance to monitor for any signs of malignant transformation.
• Advanced treatment- Each case is thoroughly evaluated and discussed by a tumour board.
• Individualised diagnosis - Treatment plans are individualised, following internationally recognised protocols.
• 3D printing -It is incorporated in preoperative planning and reconstruction.
• This allows for the creation of accurate anatomical models, simulate surgeries, and fabricates patient-specific surgical guides and reconstruction plates.
• Improvements - These advances have improved surgical accuracy, reduced operating time, and contributed to better postoperative function and aesthetics.
• Postoperative care - Speech therapy, nutritional support, physical rehabilitation, and psychological counselling
• Ongoing follow-up - Ensures early detection of any recurrence or secondary conditions.
• Trios of the treatment - Early diagnosis, tailored treatment, and holistic rehabilitation.

Reference

The Hindu | Oral cancer diagnosis