Is further treatment needed after complete removal of oral cancer?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
If oral cancer is found to be in the early stage through various examinations and the tumor is not particularly large, chemotherapy is generally not needed after complete surgical removal. Patients only need to strictly follow medical advice and have regular check-ups at the hospital. However, if the cancer is at a moderate or advanced stage, surgical removal may not be thorough, and additional radiotherapy is required to consolidate the treatment effect.
Generally, no further treatment is needed after complete surgical removal of oral cancer.
In clinical practice, oral cancer refers to squamous cell carcinoma occurring in the oral cavity. This condition may arise from the gradual accumulation of minor genetic mutations. Additionally, habits such as smoking or chewing betel nuts in daily life may increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Symptoms may include persistent, non-healing mouth ulcers and oral pain. If a patient is diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer and the tumor is not particularly large, complete removal through surgery typically eliminates the need for chemotherapy. In such cases, patients only need to strictly follow medical advice and undergo regular follow-up examinations at the hospital.
For patients with intermediate- or late-stage oral cancer who have already developed lymph node metastasis, surgical removal alone may not be sufficient. After surgery, additional radiotherapy is usually recommended to consolidate treatment effectiveness, improve local tumor control, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
