Talking About Treatment Choices for Oral Cancer

Talking about your treatment choices for oral cancer will be one of the most important meetings that you’ll have with your doctor.

Treatments Vary 

There are various treatments for oral cancer, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.¹ The best treatment options for you will depend on many factors, including the following:¹

• The type of oral cancer you have

• The extent (or stage) of cancer in your body

• The size and location of the tumor

• Whether the cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body

• Your general health

• Your age

• The effect of treatment on your appearance and ability to talk and eat

Bring Questions

Learning that you have cancer can be stressful and shocking. You might put together a list of treatment questions to bring to your meeting with your doctor. Questions you might consider asking include the following:²

• What is the stage of the cancer? Has the cancer spread?

• What are my treatment options? Which do you recommend for me?

• What side effects does each treatment cause? How will treatment affect my daily life?

• Is the treatment covered by my insurance?

You also might ask a friend or family member to come with you to meet with the doctor. A second set of ears can be helpful.² 

¹“Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) Patient Version.” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, June 16, 2010. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/lip-and-oral-cavity/patient Accessed 2010.

²“What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer.” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, September 8, 2004. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral Accessed 2010.