What is Oral Cancer & Maxillofacial Tumours?
Oral cancer most commonly affects the tongue, cheek lining, gums, floor of mouth and lips. In Pakistan, and particularly in Sindh, it is strongly linked to gutka, mainpuri, naswar, betel quid (paan), areca nut and tobacco use. Other tumours of the mouth and face can be benign or malignant. Early detection makes a significant difference to treatment and outcomes.
Common symptoms
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal within two to three weeks
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or cheek
- A lump or thickening in the mouth, lip or neck
- Reduced mouth opening, often linked to areca nut use (oral submucous fibrosis)
- Unexplained loose teeth, bleeding, numbness or difficulty swallowing
When to seek an assessment
Any ulcer, patch or lump in the mouth lasting more than two to three weeks should be examined promptly, especially if you use gutka, naswar, paan, areca nut or tobacco. Early assessment is important; please do not wait for pain.
The role of an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are often the first specialists to examine a suspicious mouth lesion. Their role includes careful examination, biopsy, arranging staging investigations, and working within a multidisciplinary head & neck cancer team for definitive treatment.
Diagnosis and assessment
Diagnosis always requires biopsy and histopathology. Staging may include CT, MRI or PET scans. Treatment decisions for cancer are made after these results, ideally through a multidisciplinary tumour board.
Treatment options
The options below are a general overview. The right approach for you depends on your examination, imaging and any biopsy or pathology findings.
Biopsy and diagnosis
A small tissue sample is examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Management of potentially malignant lesions
Habit cessation, monitoring, and removal of certain white or red patches where indicated.
Surgical treatment
Removal of tumours, sometimes with neck lymph node surgery and reconstruction, depending on stage and site.
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Provided by oncology teams, alone or together with surgery, as decided by the multidisciplinary team.
Recovery and aftercare
- Recovery depends greatly on the extent of treatment
- Support may include nutrition advice, speech and swallowing therapy, and dental care
- Stopping gutka, naswar, paan, areca nut, tobacco and smoking is strongly advised
- Long-term regular follow-up to detect any recurrence early
You will receive specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.
Referral and multidisciplinary care
Oral cancer care is a team effort. Major resections, reconstruction, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are coordinated with surgical oncology, radiation and medical oncology, and tertiary cancer centres as appropriate. Dr Agha does not claim to provide every element of cancer treatment personally.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for a personal consultation. Outcomes vary between individuals.