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An oral cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming news. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are several resources available to support your journey in fighting cancer. Also, there are important steps that you can follow to manage your life after receiving your cancer diagnosis.
Since cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of your life, you need to make a treatment plan. Here are the steps that you should take after your early stage oral cancer diagnosis:
Taking care of yourself and your needs is crucial during this time, and it should not be overlooked. Here are certain things that you can consider for yourself:
It depends upon the stage and nature of the diagnosis. Also, it may vary from person to person because every individual has a different immune system, lifestyle, and age.
After oral cancer has developed, it takes a couple of months to spread to different parts of the mouth. Regular doctor visits are crucial to monitoring the cancer and the patient’s health condition.
Regular checkups are crucial to detect the initial signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Some common symptoms may include:
Your treatment plan will depend upon factors such as the type, location, and stage of your cancer, your present health condition, and your treatment goals. Oral cancer treatment options include:
Consult your healthcare specialist about your treatment alternatives. Make sure you know the risks, benefits, and the results of each treatment to make the best decision.
Also read: The Best Ways to Find an Emergency Dentist Near You
Oral cancer is a cancer that originates in the mouth or throat. The types of oral cancer include:
Various stages of oral cancer are:
Stage 0 (or carcinoma in situ)
The cancer is present only in the lining of the lips or oral cavity
Stage 1
The tumor is 2 cm or smaller, and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage 2
The tumor is between 2 cm and 4 cm, and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage 3
The tumor is bigger than 4 cm, or cancer has spread to one of the lymph nodes.
Stage 4
This is the most advanced stage, and the tumor is any size but has spread into:
Recurrent Oral Cancer
Recurrent oral cancer refers to cancer that has resurfaced after its treatment. It can also recur in other parts of the body. This is medically known as distant metastasis or distant recurrence.
Original source: Things You Should Do After Receiving an Oral Cancer Diagnosis
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