Although treatment differs for the specific type of mouth and lip cancers, a team approach is best for all cancers. A group of healthcare professionals called a cancer care team can plan the best course of treatment suited for the patient. Some of the specialists that treat mouth and lip cancer patients include:

• Dentist
• Otolaryngologist
• Oral surgeon
• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Prosthodontist
• Plastic surgeon
• Speech language pathologist
  Dietitian

Treatment for mouth and lip cancers varies depending on a number of factors, including the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's general health. The patient's age, family and peer support and the ability to tolerate treatment also affect the plan.

The treatment options for individuals with mouth or lip cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatment methods can be used alone or in combination, depending on a number of factors:

• Surgery. The type and extent of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor. A surgeon may remove the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue to obtain a "clean margin." This helps reduce the risk of any cancer cells remaining in the tissue. In some cases, the surgeon may have to remove bone tissue from the jaw or roof of the mouth. Lymph nodes in the neck also may be removed (lymph node resection) if the physician suspects the cancer has spread beyond the area.
  
  Some of the surgeries used to treat oral cancers include:
  
  
• • Primary tumor resection. Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue.
    
    
  • Full or partial mandible resection. Removal of part or all of the jaw bone in addition to the tumor.
    
    
  • Maxillectomy. Removal of part or the entire roof of the mouth (hard palate).
    
    
  • Mohs’ micrographic surgery. Used to progressively remove lip cancer in thin slices. This type of surgery reduces the amount of normal tissue removed with the cancerous tissue.
    
    
  • Dental extraction and implants. Removal of teeth if necessary for radiation therapy.
    
    
  The type of surgery can result in changes in the person’s appearance and function. Some of the changes may be permanent and some may be temporary. Complications resulting from oral surgery may include:
  
  
  • Changed appearance of face and neck (e.g., temporary swelling, permanent facial structure changes)
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Numbness in face, throat or neck
  • Speech difficulties
    
    
• Radiation therapy. This treatment uses high–powered x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation may be provided from machines outside of the body (external radiation therapy) or from radioactive materials placed directly into or near the cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Radiation may be used alone, with chemotherapy or with surgery. It can be effective in killing cancer cells but may also cause complications, including:
  
• • Redness, irritation and sores in the mouth
  • Dry mouth or thickened saliva
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
  • Change or loss of taste with decreased appetite
  • Earaches from hardened ear wax
  • Swelling or drooping of skin
  • Hardening muscles and skin tissue
  • Stiffness with jaw movements
    
    
• Chemotherapy. These powerful anti-cancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body and may be taken orally or through the veins (intravenously). The type of drugs and schedule of treatment depend on the type and location of the cancer. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy and/or surgery.
  
  The side effects of chemotherapy are related to the type of drug and the schedule of treatment. Some of the common side effects from chemotherapy for oral cancers can include:
  
  
• • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Sores in the mouth and lips
  • Hair loss
  • Tiredness and listlessness
    
    
• Biological therapy. Some monoclonal antibodies may be used as targeted therapy for advanced cases of oral cancer. These medications can block growth factors, including one called epidermal growth factors (EGF), which has been linked to the growth of oral cancers.

Treatment also may include reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for oral cancer surgeries. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to improve the patient’s appearance and ability to function, particularly with chewing, swallowing and speaking.

Depending on the extent of cancer surgery, surgical reconstruction may include:

• Skin, tissue or bone grafts from other parts of the body to rebuild the jaw, mouth or throat.
  
  
• Implant of a dental prosthesis to replace a part of the jaw.
  
  
• Gastrostomy (hole in the abdomen) in order to receive nutrition directly into the stomach through a feeding tube if the patient is unable to eat. The tube can be removed at a later date if the patient’s condition improves.

Rehabilitation services can help a patient adjust to changes from the cancer surgery. The following professionals can help the cancer patient with specific problems:

• Dietitian. Provides information for nutritional issues.
  
  
• Speech pathologist. Provides therapy for swallowing problems (dysphagia) and speech difficulties. If the patient has had surgery for any removal of the tongue (glossectomy) or roof of the mouth (maxillectomy), it is likely to result in chewing and speech problems. A speech pathologist can help the patient with communication and swallowing problems.

The cure rate for mouth and lip cancers depends on the specific site and stage of the cancer. Most patients with early cancers of the lip that are treated by surgery and/or radiation have a cure rate of 90 percent or higher. Small cancers of the mouth that are detected and treated early have a similar cure rate. Moderately advanced lesions in the mouth without evidence of spreading to the lymph nodes are still generally curable with a survival rate ranging from 65 to 80 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.