What Is the Right Treatment for Oral Cancer?Dr. Rachita Bahety’s Practical, Stage-Wise Approach
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, particularly in regions like Maharashtra and Marathwada, where tobacco, gutkha, betel nut, and alcohol use remain prevalent. Yet, when diagnosed, patients are often overwhelmed by contradictory advice — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or “wait and watch.”
According to Dr. Rachita Bahety, a Head & Neck Cancer and Oral Cancer Surgeon, the right treatment for oral cancer is never one-size-fits-all. It depends on stage, location, function, and long-term quality of life, not just on removing the tumour.
First Principle: Oral Cancer Treatment Must Be Stage-Based
One of the most important things patients must understand is that oral cancer treatment changes with stage. Treating early disease like advanced cancer — or vice versa — can do more harm than good.
Dr. Rachita Bahety follows a structured, stage-wise treatment approach, aligned with global cancer care guidelines.
Stage 0 & Stage I: Early Oral Cancer
What This Means
- Small tumour
- Confined to the mouth lining
- No lymph node spread
Best Treatment Approach
- Surgical removal of the tumour with safe margins
- Laser excision in select cases
- No major reconstruction required
Why Surgery Works Best Here
- High cure rates
- Minimal impact on speech and swallowing
- Faster recovery
- Often avoids radiation or chemotherapy
👉 Early detection allows simple surgery and excellent outcomes.
Stage II: Early but Deeper Involvement
What Changes
- Tumour is larger
- May involve deeper tissues
Treatment Strategy
- Surgery remains the primary treatment
- Neck evaluation for lymph node spread
- Reconstruction only if required
- Radiation therapy in selected cases
At this stage, timely surgery still offers excellent long-term control while preserving function.
Stage III: Locally Advanced Oral Cancer
What This Indicates
- Larger tumours
- Possible lymph node involvement
Treatment Approach
- Surgery to remove the primary tumour
- Neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes
- Reconstructive surgery using flaps
- Post-operative radiation or chemoradiation
Dr. Bahety emphasises that reconstruction is not cosmetic luxury — it is functional necessity, helping patients regain speech, swallowing, and facial symmetry.
Stage IV: Advanced Oral Cancer
Complex but Treatable
Advanced oral cancer may involve:
- Jawbone
- Facial skin
- Tongue base
- Multiple lymph nodes
Treatment Plan
- Combined modality treatment:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in select cases
- Focus on disease control and quality of life
Even at advanced stages, treatment is meaningful, especially when managed by an experienced oral cancer surgeon.
Why Surgery Plays a Central Role in Oral Cancer
High-intent searches often ask:
“Is surgery necessary for oral cancer?”
According to Dr. Rachita Bahety:
- Surgery is the most definitive treatment for oral cancer
- It offers the best chance of cure when disease is operable
- Other treatments support surgery — they rarely replace it
Radiation and chemotherapy are powerful tools, but they work best when combined appropriately with surgery.
Importance of Reconstruction & Rehabilitation
Modern oral cancer treatment goes beyond tumour removal.
A complete plan includes:
- Microvascular reconstruction
- Speech therapy
- Swallowing rehabilitation
- Dental and oral rehabilitation
- Nutritional support
- Psychological counselling
This integrated approach ensures patients survive and live well.
Common Mistakes Patients Make
Dr. Bahety often sees delays due to:
- Ignoring non-healing mouth ulcers
- Self-medication
- Fear of surgery
- Seeking multiple opinions without action
Unfortunately, delay converts early, curable cancer into complex disease.
Dr. Rachita Bahety’s Core Message
The right treatment for oral cancer is:
- Early when possible
- Surgical when operable
- Multidisciplinary when advanced
- Always personalised
Most importantly, oral cancer is curable when detected early.
Final Takeaway
Patients searching for the “best treatment for oral cancer” should focus less on single modalities and more on stage-appropriate, expert-led care. A structured, step-wise approach offers the best balance between cure, function, and dignity.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. Readers should not treat this information as medical advice for their condition. It is very important that an in-person consultation be conducted with an expert before taking any medication or treatment.
