Oral cancer occurs in the mouth and around the throat, making it difficult to talk or eat. To function properly and live a normal life, people undergo different treatments.

Chemotherapy
Of the different treatment methods for oral cancer, chemotherapy destructs the cancer cells present in the body with a chemical agent. The medicine is injected in the mouth or through an IV line. This does not necessarily require hospitalization, as the process is completed within a few minutes.

Radiation therapy
This process involves treating the affected area by exposing it to the cancer-killing radioactive rays. This is done either externally through a machine (external beam radiation) or internally by inserting a wire (brachytherapy). It is mainly used after surgery if the cancer cells are still present. Often, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy to improve the effectiveness. If the cancer is in stage 1, radiation therapy can work alone. Visiting a dentist before the surgery to determine the state of the teeth is important, too. The dentist can help you understand how to brush to avoid pain or complications.

Surgery
Surgery is one of the main treatment methods for oral cancer, as it removes the infected region by cutting it. In case the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, the surgeon operates the neck to remove the lymph nodes. The surgeon also performs reconstructive surgery after the initial surgery to repair the mouth.

Targeted therapy
Out of the various treatment methods for oral cancer, targeted therapy tries to alter certain aspects of irregular cancer cells. Cetuximab, used to treat some types of oral cancer, enters the system, alters the proteins in unhealthy cells, and changes their capabilities. Targeted therapy is used along with chemotherapy as well as radiation. People sometimes try this out when all others fail to work.

Immunotherapy
The cancer cells alter the protein in the healthy cells. The immune system does not try to get rid of them, causing the cancer cells to keep spreading. Immunotherapy affects the immune system to combat this problem.

Nutrition
Making sure you eat good food and avoid what is not healthy is an important part of the treatment process. After undergoing the different treatment methods for oral cancer, it is difficult to chew or swallow food and water, and people might also lose their appetite. Consulting a nutritionist in this matter is crucial, as they would help you understand what you require. They also suggest what food to eat and avoid for a speedy recovery.

Today, there are different treatment methods for oral cancer available around the world. Healing after the different procedures is necessary. Along with that, maintaining good hygiene is important.