Floor of mouth cancer
What is Floor of Mouth Cancer?
Floor of mouth cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth, specifically in the area beneath the tongue. It is a rare form of oral cancer, but it is important to be aware of its symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning signs.
Diagnosis of Floor of Mouth Cancer
Diagnosing floor of mouth cancer involves a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. They will carefully inspect the mouth and may order additional tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the presence of cancer cells. It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment for Floor of Mouth Cancer
Treatment options for floor of mouth cancer depend on the stage and extent of the disease. Surgery is often the primary treatment, where the cancerous tissue is removed. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended to target any remaining cancer cells. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Preventive Measures for Floor of Mouth Cancer
While it may not be possible to prevent floor of mouth cancer entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Avoiding tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, can significantly lower your chances of developing oral cancer. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can also contribute to a healthier mouth.
- chew tobacco
- drink alcohol
- have HPV (human papillomavirus)
- take medicine that lowers your immune system
How can I check to see if I have it?
If you have symptoms of floor of mouth cancer, your doctor may first have a look at the area and discuss with you your family history and lifestyle.
Next, your doctor may recommend taking a biopsy, or tissue sample, of the area to test for cancerous cells. If the tests come back as cancerous, the medical team will most likely order an imaging test, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan so see if the cancer has spread to other areas in the body.
Treatment
Treatment for floor of mouth cancer can be a little tricky based on the location of the cancer, so it is important to understand all of your options in order to cure the cancer as well as preserve the look and function of the mouth.
The good news is floor of mouth cancer is very treatable when it is caught in early stages.
If your cancer is caught early on, radiation may be used as the only treatment necessary to target and kill the cancer.
Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for floor of mouth cancer and will depend on the size and location of the tumor. The surgery may only be to remove the tumor itself, or in more advanced cases, to remove part of the jawbone. Surgery on the jawbone is called a mandibulectomy.
Chemotherapy is also another option of floor and mouth cancer. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to make sure that all the cancer cells have been killed, and it can also be combined with radiation.
After initial treatment the patient may need reconstructive surgery in which the medical team needs to restore some of the functions of the mouth. Also, the patient may require rehabilitation in speech, swallowing, and other mouth functions that may have been affected by the cancer treatment.
What is Floor of Mouth Cancer?
Floor of mouth cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth, specifically in the area beneath the tongue. It is a rare form of oral cancer, but it is important to be aware of its symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning signs.
Diagnosis of Floor of Mouth Cancer
Diagnosing floor of mouth cancer involves a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. They will carefully inspect the mouth and may order additional tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the presence of cancer cells. It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment for Floor of Mouth Cancer
Treatment options for floor of mouth cancer depend on the stage and extent of the disease. Surgery is often the primary treatment, where the cancerous tissue is removed. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended to target any remaining cancer cells. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Preventive Measures for Floor of Mouth Cancer
While it may not be possible to prevent floor of mouth cancer entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Avoiding tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, can significantly lower your chances of developing oral cancer. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can also contribute to a healthier mouth.
- chew tobacco
- drink alcohol
- have HPV (human papillomavirus)
- take medicine that lowers your immune system
How can I check to see if I have it?
If you have symptoms of floor of mouth cancer, your doctor may first have a look at the area and discuss with you your family history and lifestyle.
Next, your doctor may recommend taking a biopsy, or tissue sample, of the area to test for cancerous cells. If the tests come back as cancerous, the medical team will most likely order an imaging test, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan so see if the cancer has spread to other areas in the body.
Treatment
Treatment for floor of mouth cancer can be a little tricky based on the location of the cancer, so it is important to understand all of your options in order to cure the cancer as well as preserve the look and function of the mouth.
The good news is floor of mouth cancer is very treatable when it is caught in early stages.
If your cancer is caught early on, radiation may be used as the only treatment necessary to target and kill the cancer.
Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for floor of mouth cancer and will depend on the size and location of the tumor. The surgery may only be to remove the tumor itself, or in more advanced cases, to remove part of the jawbone. Surgery on the jawbone is called a mandibulectomy.
Chemotherapy is also another option of floor and mouth cancer. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to make sure that all the cancer cells have been killed, and it can also be combined with radiation.
After initial treatment the patient may need reconstructive surgery in which the medical team needs to restore some of the functions of the mouth. Also, the patient may require rehabilitation in speech, swallowing, and other mouth functions that may have been affected by the cancer treatment.
Symptom list:
Floor of mouth cancer
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
