Mouth cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. The lifespan of someone with mouth cancer is dependent on a number of factors, including the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, the type of cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatments.
Prognosis
The prognosis for someone with mouth cancer depends on a number of factors. If the cancer is caught in its earliest stages, it is possible for the patient to make a full recovery, though this is not always the case. For those with more advanced stages of mouth cancer, the outlook may not be as good. The five-year survival rate for people with mouth cancer is generally around 50 to 75 percent.
Treatment
Treatment for mouth cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The patient’s doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Treatment usually takes several months to complete, and the patient is typically monitored for any recurrence of the cancer.
Outlook
The outlook for someone living with mouth cancer can vary greatly depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, the type of cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatments. In general, the earlier the cancer is caught, the better the chances of a full recovery. The patient’s doctor will be able to provide more specific information about the prognosis for his or her case.