Oral cancer progresses in stages, which helps determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions. These stages include:
- Stage 1 : The tumor measures less than 1 inch and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 2 : The tumor grows between 1 and 2 inches, but remains localized without spreading to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 3 : The tumor is larger than 2 inches and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.
- Stage 4 : This is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body, including distant organs.
The stage of the cancer helps determine the appropriate treatment options and also gives an idea of the prognosis.
Treatment for oral cancer
Oral cancer can be treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer.
