Treatment for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include where in your mouth or oropharynx your cancer is, what type you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.
The main treatments for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and targeted and immunotherapy. You may also have treatment to reduce the symptoms and help you feel better. A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.
Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)
There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.
Treatment options for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you. The treatment you have depends on the type of cancer and the stage of your cancer.
Surgery for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Surgery is one of the main treatments for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. You might also have surgery to relieve symptoms, such as difficulty with eating.
Chemoradiotherapy for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Chemoradiotherapy means having chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment together. It is one of the main treatments for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.
Chemotherapy for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream.
Radiotherapy for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. You usually have external beam radiotherapy for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.
Targeted and immunotherapy drugs for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Targeted cancer drugs work by targeting the differences in cancer cells that help them to grow and survive. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system to attack the cancer.
Follow up for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
After treatment, you have regular check ups and tests at the hospital. The doctors check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries.
