Oral Cancer

Treatment for oral cancer is usually provided by a team of doctors who are experts in treating head and neck cancers. The team may include a Reference medical oncologist Opens New Window, a Reference head and neck surgeon Opens New Window, an Reference oral (maxillofacial) surgeon Opens New Window, or a Reference radiation oncologist Opens New Window. Depending on your treatment, you may have help from other specialists, such as a Reference speech therapist Opens New Window or a Reference plastic surgeon Opens New Window.

Clinical trials

Reference Clinical trials Opens New Window for oral cancer look at new ways to treat oral cancer. Treatments being studied include:

• Reference Chemotherapy Opens New Window.
• Hyperfractionated radiation therapy, which is giving the total dose of radiation therapy in many small treatments, often more than one a day.
• Hyperthermia therapy, where body tissue is heated above normal temperatures. This kills cancer cells or makes them more sensitive to radiation or medicines.

Sometimes a clinical trial offers the best treatment choice. Your medical team will let you know if there is a clinical trial that might be good for you. For more information, see www.cancer.gov/clinical_trials or http://clinicaltrials.gov.

Having cancer can change your life in many ways. For support in managing these changes, see the topic Reference Getting Support When You Have Cancer.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.