Floor of the Mouth Cancer

Treatment

Early-stage floor of the mouth cancer can often be treated with surgery or radiation. More advanced cancer cases may require a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary team of physicians at Mayo Clinic works to develop a unique treatment plan for each patient.

In most cancer cases, oral pathologists identify the abnormal tissue as squamous cell carcinoma. Infrequently pathologists determine the condition to be a minor salivary gland cancer, sarcoma or lymphoma.

Surgery

The type of surgery used to treat floor of the mouth cancer depends on the size, type, location and depth of the tumor spread. If the tumor has spread beyond the floor of the mouth, nearby lymph nodes may need to be removed and examined in a laboratory. Experienced surgeons at Mayo Clinic treat each case individually, focusing on the best treatment for each patient.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays, electron beams or radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists at Mayo Clinic tailor each treatment to protect nearby normal tissue. At Mayo Clinic, patients have access to the most advanced systems for treatment planning and delivery, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT uses digital diagnostic imaging, computers and specialized software to conform hundreds of small radiation beams to the shape of the tumor. This process produces precise dosage distributions that protect nearby normal tissue.

Chemotherapy

This treatment uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. When a patient suffers from a malignant tumor on the mouth's floor, experienced medical oncologists may administer chemotherapy orally or into the body's veins.

Reconstructive Surgery

Depending upon the size, location and spread of the condition, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore physical appearance and mouth function. Experienced plastic surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, and oral and maxilliofacial surgeons at Mayo Clinic provide care tailored to each patient.

Rehabilitation

Care providers specializing in speech therapy, swallowing therapy, dietetics, physical therapy and occupational therapy help patients with rehabilitation that may be necessary after surgery or radiation therapy. The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic can help patients who want to discontinue tobacco use.