Any type of cancer should be taken seriously, and oral cancer is no exception! Left unchecked, it can cause severe damage to your body and might even become terminal. The good news is that modern medicine offers a variety of treatments that have the potential to control oral cancer and even lead to remission. In order for your care to be successful, you may need the attention of both an oral surgeon and an oncologist. This blog post explores how they can work together to help you fight oral cancer.
Oral Surgeons and Oncologists: What Do They Do?
Oral surgeons focus on diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face. After completing dental school, they undergo a few more years of additional training to become true experts in surgical procedures that involve the mouth and surrounding areas.
Oncologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They are often responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
Your Oral Surgeon’s Role
Your oral surgeon plays a key role in both diagnosing and treating oral cancer. They may perform biopsies to confirm the presence of cancerous cells, as well as surgical procedures to remove tumors or affected tissues from your mouth or jaw. After major surgery, there may be additional procedures to reconstruct affected areas of your face. These interventions can be crucial in preventing the spread of cancer, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, and optimizing post-treatment function.
After any surgery, your oral surgeon will monitor your healing and address any complications that arise, such as infection or difficulty with speech and swallowing. They may also collaborate with prosthodontists (dentists who specialize in prosthetic teeth) to restore the function of your bite if necessary.
Your Oncologist’s Role
Your oncologist oversees your overall cancer care, guiding treatment decisions based on the type, stage, and progression of your oral cancer. They may recommend therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation to target any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to shrink tumors before an operation. These treatments are often tailored to meet your unique needs and to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Throughout your journey, your oncologist will provide support and monitor your response to treatment, adjusting your care plan as necessary. They work closely with your oral surgeon to coordinate efforts, aiming to give you the best possible outcome in your fight against oral cancer.
Oral surgeons and oncologists often work together in the fight against oral cancer! You can rely on these specialists to give you the best chances of conquering your disease.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy is proud to feature four highly skilled oral surgeons. For example, Dr. Steve Koo has been working in this field for around 18 years, and throughout that time, he has gained much experience in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. If you are concerned about this disease or would like to learn how our practice collaborates with local oncologists, contact our office at 832-353-1100.