Implications of Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, and Surgical treatment in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes both the cancers of the mouth and back of the throat. This literature review investigates viable treatment modalities for adult patients diagnosed with oral cancer including the comparison of chemo/radiation therapy, surgery, and new treatment modalities. Surgical interventions are often the initial treatment, depending on tumor characteristics, and may require reconstructive procedures. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while effective, present challenges such as side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. With surgery, there is the consideration of different types of therapies. Post-operative care, lifestyle implications, and treatment success vary among these modalities. New treatments such as gene therapy and immunotherapy are also starting to appear. Findings suggest the drawbacks and the advantages of different treatments and possible preventive measures.