Oral Cancer Treatment in Chennai
Caught early, mouth cancer has high cure rates. Surgery aims to remove the cancer and keep your speech and swallowing.
A mouth ulcer that will not heal, a white or red patch, or a lump inside the mouth is worth checking quickly. At Unittas Hospital, our surgical oncologist diagnoses oral cancer, removes it with a margin of healthy tissue, rebuilds the area where needed, and coordinates radiation or chemotherapy with partner centres.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer, also called mouth cancer, can start on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth or roof of the mouth. Most are a type called squamous cell carcinoma.
It is one of the most common cancers in India, largely because of tobacco. Your risk is higher if you:
- Smoke, or chew tobacco, gutka, paan or betel nut
- Drink alcohol heavily, especially along with tobacco
- Have sharp or broken teeth, or poorly fitting dentures, that rub one spot for years
- Have certain viral infections, such as HPV
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
See a doctor if any of these last more than two weeks:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal
- A white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia)
- A lump, thick area or rough spot in the mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- Pain, numbness or bleeding in the mouth
- Loose teeth, or dentures that suddenly do not fit
- Ear pain or a lump in the neck
Learn more in our guides on a mouth ulcer that will not heal and a white or red patch in the mouth.
How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed
- Examination of the mouth and neck by the surgeon.
- Biopsy of the suspicious area. This is the only way to confirm cancer.
- CT or MRI scan to see how deep the tumour goes and whether the neck nodes are involved. See our radiology services.
- Staging to bring the results together and plan treatment.
Oral Cancer Treatment at Unittas Hospital
Surgery
The tumour is removed with a margin of healthy tissue. If neck nodes are involved, a neck dissection removes them. Flap reconstruction rebuilds the area to help with eating, speech and appearance.
Radiation therapy
Often given after surgery to destroy any cells left behind. In some cases it is the main treatment.
Chemotherapy
Usually given together with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced cancer or when the tissue report shows high risk.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Options for cancer that has come back or spread.
Rehabilitation
Speech and swallowing therapy, dental care, pain relief and diet support from our nutrition team.
Your Cancer Surgeon
Dr Vigneshwar T
Dr Vigneshwar operates on mouth, tongue and jaw cancers, performs neck dissection, and rebuilds the area with flap reconstruction to protect speech and swallowing.
- Wide local excision
- Mandibulectomy
- Neck dissection
- Flap reconstruction
Treatment by Stage of Oral Cancer
| Stage | Usual approach |
|---|---|
| Early (stage I and II) | Surgery alone, or surgery followed by radiation. |
| Locally advanced (stage III and IVA) | Surgery with neck dissection, then radiation with or without chemotherapy. |
| Spread to distant organs | Drug treatment and radiation to control the cancer and ease symptoms. |
Recovery and Follow-up
In the first weeks after surgery, you may need help with eating and speaking. Most patients improve steadily with therapy and practice. Soft or liquid foods are used at first, and a feeding tube is sometimes needed for a short time.
Stopping tobacco and alcohol is the single biggest step you can take to prevent a new cancer. Follow-up visits are frequent in the first two years, then spaced out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can oral cancer be cured if found early?
Yes. Early mouth cancers have high cure rates when treated promptly with surgery, sometimes followed by radiation.
Is surgery always needed?
Surgery is the first choice for most mouth cancers. In some cases radiation or chemoradiation is used instead.
Will I be able to speak and eat normally after treatment?
Many people do, especially when the cancer is found early. Reconstruction and speech and swallowing therapy help you recover as much function as possible.
Is reconstruction always needed?
No. Small areas often heal well on their own. Larger areas are rebuilt with tissue from another part of the body.
How long does the whole treatment take?
Surgery is done in one operation. Radiation, if needed, runs for about six weeks. The full plan may take a few months.
Does oral cancer spread quickly?
It can spread to the neck lymph nodes if left untreated. Prompt treatment and regular check-ups catch changes early.
What are the side effects of radiation to the mouth?
Dry mouth, mouth sores, taste changes and painful swallowing are common. Most improve after treatment ends, and our team helps you manage them.
Can people who never used tobacco get oral cancer?
Yes, though it is less common. Viral infections such as HPV and long-term irritation from sharp teeth can play a part.
Can a dentist spot oral cancer?
Yes. Dentists often notice early changes during routine check-ups and refer patients for a biopsy.
Can lifestyle changes lower the risk of it coming back?
Yes. Stopping tobacco and alcohol, keeping your mouth clean and attending every follow-up visit all lower the risk.
How often are follow-up visits needed?
Every one to three months in the first two years, then less often for several years.
Can I go back to work after treatment?
Most people do. When depends on the size of the surgery, whether you need radiation, and the kind of work you do.
Related Cancer Care Pages
Have a Mouth Ulcer or Patch That Will Not Heal?
Book a check with our surgical oncologist at Unittas OMR. A quick examination and biopsy give you a clear answer.