TREATMENT OF ORAL PRE-MALIGNANT AND MALIGNANT LESIONS

The treatment of oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions, such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, and oral squamous cell carcinoma, depends on various factors including the type and stage of the lesion, its location, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment may involve a combination of the following approaches:

Surgical excision: Surgical removal of the lesion may be recommended for localized pre-malignant or malignant lesions. This may involve removing the lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Laser therapy: Laser surgery may be used to remove pre-malignant or early-stage malignant lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Laser therapy can be a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery and may result in faster healing and reduced post-operative discomfort.
Electrosurgery: Electrosurgical techniques involve using high-frequency electrical currents to remove or destroy abnormal tissue. Electrosurgery may be used to treat pre-malignant lesions or as an adjunctive treatment following surgical excision to ensure complete removal of any remaining abnormal cells.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the abnormal tissue using liquid nitrogen or other freezing agents. Cryotherapy may be used to treat small pre-malignant lesions or as a palliative treatment for symptomatic lesions in patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs may be used to treat advanced or metastatic oral cancer. Chemotherapy may be administered alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used as a primary treatment for localized oral cancer or as adjuvant therapy following surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy may be delivered externally (external beam radiation therapy) or internally (brachytherapy).
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs may be used to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments for advanced or recurrent oral cancer.
Supportive care: Supportive care measures such as pain management, nutritional support, and oral hygiene are essential components of treatment for oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Supportive care helps to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and optimize treatment outcomes.

Treatment decisions for oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions are individualized based on the specific characteristics of the lesion and the patient’s overall health and preferences. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists, collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the needs of each patient. Regular follow-up and surveillance are important for monitoring treatment response and detecting any signs of recurrence or progression.