Looking for the best oral cancer surgeon in Hyderabad ?, Look no further than Dr. M.S.S. Keerthi one of the best surgical Oncologist in Hyderabad. She completed her MCh (Surgical Oncology) from Cancer Institute (WIA) Adyar, Chennai in 2021. With over 15+ years of experience in performing various cancer surgeries, she currently work as a Sr. Consultant Surgical Oncologist and laparoscopic and robotic Surgeon at Tulasi Hospital, and Evoke Clinic at Secunderabad, Telangana.
Dr. M.S.S Keerthi has treated more than 10,000+ oral cancer patients and she is one of few oncology surgeons who perform Minimal Access (keyhole) Surgery i.e. Laparoscopic and robotic Surgery to offer her patients a smooth & pain-free recovery from oral(mouth) cancer.
What is Oral (mouth) Cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that can affect various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other oral structures. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing oral cancer.
Stages of oral cancer
Oral cancer, like other types of cancer, is constantly offered to determine the extent of the disease and companion treatment opinions. The staging system generally used by Dr. M.S.S Keerthi for oral cancer is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis. Here is a brief overview of the stages
Stage 0( Carcinoma in situ): Abnormal cells are present but haven’t invaded near tissues. This stage is considered precancerous.
Stage I: The tumor is fragile and localized, usually lesser than 2 centimeters in size, and has not spread to nearby lymph swellings or distant spots.
Stage II: The tumor is larger than in Stage I but still localized, usually between 2 to 4 centimeters, and has not spread to nearby lymph swellings or distant blots.
Stage III: The tumor is larger and may have invaded nearby tissues or structures. It may also involve near lymph bumps but has not spread to distant spots.
Stage IV: This stage is further divided into
- Stage IVA: The tumor has grown larger and may have invaded near structures or lymph bumps.
- Stage IVB: The tumor has spread to nearby lymph bumps or structures and may have grown into near tissues.
- Stage IVC: The cancer has metastasized( spread) to distant spots in the body, similar as the lungs, liver, or bones.
Treatment and prognosis for oral cancer depend on stage, tumor location, overall health, and other factors. Beforehand- stage( I and II) cancers have better outcomes than after stages. Thorough staging evaluations are essential for developing treatment plans.
Types of oral cancer:
Oral cancer encompasses several types, primarily categorized by the specific tissues or cells where the cancer originates within the oral cavity and nearby structures. Some common types include:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This is the most current type, generally forming in the thin, flat cells lining the oral cavity.
- Verrucous Carcinoma: A less aggressive form of scaled cell carcinoma, constantly set up on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
- Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: Arises from the salivary glands and can occur in the oral cavity.
- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Another type forming from the salivary glands, constantly seen in the palate.
- Lymphoma: Lymphomas can develop in the lymphoid tissue of the oral cavity or throat.
- Melanoma: While less common, melanoma can develop in the oral cavity, constantly forming in pigmented cells.
These are just a many examples, but oral cancer can arise from various tissues and structures within the mouth and throat, each with its unique characteristics and treatment considerations
Signs and Symptoms of Oral (mouth) Cancer:
Symptoms of oral cancer can vary, but some common signs to watch for include:
- Pain or discomfort: Persistent pain in the mouth or throat, which may be associated with swallowing or speaking difficulties.
- Ulcers or sores: Non-healing sores, lumps, or patches in the mouth that can be red or white.
- Changes in speech or voice: Hoarseness or changes in the way you speak.
- Difficulty swallowing: Known as dysphagia, it can indicate a throat or esophagus problem.
- Unexplained bleeding: Any unexplained bleeding from the mouth.
- Loose teeth: Teeth that become loose without any apparent dental issue.
- Swelling: Swelling or lumps in the neck or mouth.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene.
According to the best oral cancer surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. MSS Keerthi it’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than oral cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently for more than two weeks, it’s essential to seek evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional
Precancerous Conditions:
As per Dr. M.S.S Keerthi ,precancerous conditions in the oral cavity relate to abnormalities or lesions that have the eventuality to develop into oral cancer if left undressed. These conditions serve as warning signs and indicate an increased threat for the development of oral cancer. Some common precancerous conditions include:
- Leukoplakia: White patches or markers that develop on the inner stuffing of the mouth. These patches can’t be scraped off and may indicate cellular changes that could lead to cancer.
- Erythroplakia: Red patches or lesions in the mouth that may indicate more severe cellular changes than leukoplakia and have a advanced trouble of progressing to cancer.
- Oral submucous fibrosis: A condition characterized by the buildup of fibrous tissue in the mouth, constantly associated with betel nut chewing. It can lead to limited mouth opening and an increased trouble of oral cancer.
- Actinic cheilitis: Also known as solar cheilitis, this condition involves damage to the lips from long- tenure sunshine exposure, leading to exhaustion, cracking, and potentially precancerous changes.
- Oral lichen planus: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and undyed, lacy spots in the mouth. While utmost cases are benign, some forms may boost the trouble of oral cancer.
- Dysplasia: This term refers to abnormal changes in the cells of the oral mucosa that may indicate a precancerous condition. Dysplasia can be graded as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of cellular changes.
Diagnosis:
Dr. MSS Keerthi explains the diagnosis of oral cancer typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and biopsy (tissue sampling) to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Diagnosing oral cancer typically involves the following steps:
- Clinical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider, dentist, or oral surgeon to check for visible signs of cancer in the mouth.
- Biopsy: If suspicious lesions or growths are found during the clinical examination, a biopsy is performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage.
- Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are used to assess the extent of the cancer, identify its precise location, and determine if it has spread to other areas.
- Staging: Staging is the process of determining the size and spread of the cancer. Staging helps in planning treatment and predicting the prognosis.
Treatment Options:
According to Dr. M.S.S. Keerthi the best cancer specialist in Hyderabad says that the choice of treatment for oral cancer depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of any comorbid conditions. The main treatment options for oral cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is a common approach. Types of surgical procedures include tumor resection, neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes, reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance and function of the mouth, and dental rehabilitation if teeth are affected.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy) in the case of oral cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Common drugs used for oral cancer include cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and paclitaxel. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. In some cases, targeted therapies are used to treat oral cancer, such as cetuximab, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and nivolumab have shown promise in the treatment of some oral cancers.
Why Choose Dr MSS Keerthi for Oral(mouth) Cancer treatment in Hyderabad:
- Expert Oncologist: Dr. MSS Keerthi is described as an expert surgical oncologist with more than 15 years of experience in performing various cancer surgeries. Having specialized in Surgical Oncology from the Cancer Institute, she’s likely to retain a deep understanding of Oral cancer and its treatment.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: The citation of a state- of- the- art facility suggests that the medical structure where Dr. MSS. Keerthi practices are equipped with improved technologies and ultra modern amenities. And other installations like wheelchair accessible, cleaned toilets and proper consulting rooms.
- Clinic Location: Dr. MSS Keerthi practices at Tulasi Hospital and Evoke Clinic in Secunderabad, Telangana.
- Diagnostic Services under one Roof: The availability of diagnostic services in the same facility can streamline the diagnostic process for patients. Having all necessary tests and services like lung cancer treatment , liver cancer treatment , etc.in one location may lead to a more efficient and coordinated approach to diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Experienced & Trained Staff: Dr. MSS Keerthi is supported by experienced and trained staff, which implies a collaborative and well-coordinated approach to patient care.
- Personal Care, Every Time: Dr. MSS Keerthi is noted for her compassionate and tailored approach to patient care, which includes listening to patients’ concerns and working closely with them to establish personalized treatment programs.
Book An Appointment:-
Dr. MSS Keerthi provides the best treatment for various cancer diseases in Secunderabad and Hyderabad. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best surgical oncologist in Secunderabad, Hyderabad call +91 94908 08080 or Click on Book Appointmentfor online booking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Dr M.S.S. Keerthi is a best Oral Cancer Surgeon in Hyderabad with more than 15+ years of experience in performing various oral cancer surgeries.
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal.
- Red or white patches inside the mouth.
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing or chewing.
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together or changes in your bite.
Oral cancer usually begins with genetic mutations in mouth cells triggered by factors like tobacco, alcohol, HPV, or sun exposure, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Yes, oral cancer can cause death if not detected and treated early. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become difficult to manage, potentially leading to serious complications and death.
Stage 1 mouth cancer is the earliest stage where cancer is small and localized, usually confined to the area where it started, with no spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.