Being diagnosed with cancer really hits one hard. To fully grasp the situation is challenging for the patient and their family.

In such a situation, it becomes necessary to understand the severity of the condition and the best treatment options available before making a decision.

Surgery is an integral part of cancer treatment, which is constantly evolving, and the latest surgical approach that has revolutionized cancer treatment is robotic surgery. Robotic surgery aids surgeons in carrying out complex surgical procedures with unrivalled precision, increased flexibility, and better control than conventional surgery.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an acclaimed surgical oncologist in India, is a pioneer in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the country. He has successfully treated thousands of patients with robotic cancer surgery in Bangalore, India.

He has been at the forefront of providing exceptional treatment options to his patients by researching and adopting the latest medical techniques and technology.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is the Founder of MACS Clinic, an exclusive centre for minimally invasive cancer surgery, and Chairman – Oncology Services, Karnataka, India | Executive Director – Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, KIMS Hospital, Bangalore

Read on to learn about robotic surgery, its benefits, and the types of cancer that can be treated by it.

Robotic surgery has completely changed the way surgery is performed. The conventional surgical approach is associated with large incisions, slow recovery, and delayed return to routine activities. Even laparoscopic surgery, a safe and effective treatment option for some cancers, has drawbacks, including instruments with limited motion, 2-dimensional images, and relying on a trained assistant to hold the camera.

In comparison, robotic cancer surgery provides the surgeon with high-definition, magnified 3-dimensional vision. The surgeon can access difficult-to-reach malignancies and work at angles that are impossible with open or laparoscopic instruments because of the high degree of freedom provided by the Endo-wristed devices.

A higher level of precision is possible because of motion scaling, which allows the surgeon to reduce the amount of instrument movement compared to finger movement. Furthermore, robotic techniques allow the surgeon to perform the radical operation while preserving critical structures and nerves due to better visualization and access to hard-to-reach places, thus providing patients with excellent outcomes and better quality of life.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India, always discusses the advantages of minimal access surgery, including robotic surgery, with his patients, so that they can make an informed decision.

• Improved clinical outcome
• Lesser pain
• Reduced blood loss
• Lower risk of postoperative complications
• Shorter hospital stays
• Less scarring
• Quicker recovery
• Better quality of life

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced surgical oncologist, provides robotic cancer surgery in Bangalore, India, for the following cancers:

Head and neck cancer

Dr. Sandeep Nayak uses advanced robotic surgical approaches such as TORS to address challenging head and neck cancers. It is specially used to treat tongue, throat, and tonsil cancer.

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive robotic procedure that is done through mouth opening. No external incisions are necessary.

On the other hand, traditional open surgery necessitates extensive incisions across the throat and jaw, which frequently leave patients with noticeable scars, difficulties in breathing or swallowing, and a long recovery.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer surgeries are primarily complex and intricate, so robotic and laparoscopic surgical modalities are mostly preferred. Dr. Sandeep Nayak is an expert in robotic intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancers, which helps preserve the anus and avoid permanent stomas in 90% of patients.

Thyroid cancer

RABIT (Robotic-Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflate Thyroidectomy) is an alternative to open thyroid surgery. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading surgical oncologist in India, developed this cutting-edge robot-assisted surgical technique for treating thyroid cancer. Till date, he has performed 500 plus surgeries using this method, which offers better clinical outcomes with fewer complications.

Gynecologic cancers

Robotic surgery is a well-established treatment option for several gynecological malignancies, including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and endometrial cancer.

Urologic cancer

Robotic surgery is a standard surgical technique for treating urologic tumors such as prostate, penile, bladder, and testicular cancer. One procedure that has benefitted the most with robotics is radical prostatectomies, which is 100% performed robotically by Dr. Sandeep Nayak.

Thoracic cancer

The surgeon uses minimally invasive, robotic surgery to treat mediastinal (middle chest) malignancies such as thymus, esophageal, and lung cancer, as it helps to treat hard-to-reach cancer while sparring the nerves and other organs.

If you are planning to undergo robotic cancer surgery, you should follow the necessary steps:

• Be sure to choose the right surgeon with extensive experience performing the type of procedure you are looking for.
• Ask in detail about the procedure and its side effects, as it will help you set realistic expectations.
• If you have any concerns regarding the robotic procedure, talk it out with your surgeon. He will be the right person to clear your doubts and explain why this procedure is the best option for you.

Considering how quickly and frequently the most recent advancements in cancer surgery evolve, it is important to ensure you have all the knowledge you need to make the best choice possible.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is a type of supra-major surgery to treat certain cancers of the appendix, colon, mesothelioma, ovary, pseudomyxoma peritonei, and rectum. These cancers can progress within the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritoneal metastases, wherein deposits of tumors develop in the inner layer of your abdomen (peritoneum), as well as on other organs and tissues.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a specialized treatment used to treat certain types of cancer that have spread to the abdomen (peritoneum). Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is an integral part of the HIPEC procedure. CRS is the surgical removal of as much cancerous tissue as possible from the abdominal cavity. CRS is followed by the delivery of chemotherapy directly to the abdominal cavity through a heated perfusion solution.

Renowned surgical oncologist in India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, explains, “The goal of CRS is to reduce the size and number of cancerous tumors in the abdominal cavity as much as possible. This helps to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy solution, as it can reach and target more cancer cells.”

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is among the preferred cancer surgeons for people seeking HIPEC treatment in Bangalore. 

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC procedures are typically performed by a team of highly experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals in an operating room. It usually takes several hours to complete and is typically performed as part of an extensive procedure to remove cancerous tissue.

Here is an overview of the steps involved in Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment:

• Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to put them to sleep and prevent any pain during the surgery.
• Cytoreductive surgery: CRS is the process that involves the surgical removal of cancerous tissue. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. This may include the removal of organs or other tissue, depending on the location and extent of the cancer. 
• Insertion of a heated perfusion system: A heated perfusion system is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a small incision. This system circulates a heated chemotherapy solution throughout the abdominal cavity.
• Administration of chemotherapy: The chemotherapy solution is perfused through the abdominal cavity for a specific period, usually around 90 minutes. The heat helps to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
• Closure of the incision: Once the chemotherapy has been administered, the incision is closed, and the patient is taken to the recovery room to awaken from the anesthesia.

HIPEC is a complex and highly specialized procedure and is not available at all cancer centers.

‌Dr. Sandeep Nayak says, “HIPEC is typically reserved for patients with advanced-stage cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. It is usually used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.” 

Cancer specialist ‌Dr. Sandeep Nayak may employ HIPEC and Cytoreductive surgery to treat advanced-stage cancer that has spread to the peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds the abdominal organs. This type of cancer is known as peritoneal carcinomatosis.

1. Peritoneal carcinomatosis can occur in various types of cancer, such as:
2. Appendiceal cancer: Cancer that arises when the cells that make up your appendix divide and multiply uncontrollably.
3. Colorectal cancer: Cancer that develops in the cells between your colon (large intestine) and rectum (anus).
4. Gastric or stomach cancer: A relatively rare type of cancer that develops in the stomach lining.
5. Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal), lungs (pleural), or heart (pericardial). It is caused due to exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used in building materials, insulation, and other products.
6. Ovarian cancer: Cancer that occurs in the ovaries. 
7. Psuedo-myxoma peritonei: Cancer that occurs in the cells lining the inside of your belly and produces jelly-like material.

According to oncology expert Dr. Sandeep Nayak, “Complex judgments must be made when treating peritoneal disease patients. We believe that in order to help patients get the best results, every one of these individuals should be screened at a specialized facility with a highly-skilled and focused team.”

• The median overall survival for patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases receiving chemotherapy alone ranges between 8 – 15 months, but for those receiving CRS-HIPEC, the median survival is between 22 – 47 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 27% to 54%.
• CRS-HIPEC has significantly increased 5-year survival in patients treated for appendix peritoneal metastases and mesothelioma from less than 10% – 50% to 90% and is now the norm for these types of tumors.
• Studies conducted on 1051 patients treated for ovarian cancer with CRS-HIPEC indicated a median survival of 73 months. 
• Additionally, a couple of phase 3 randomized clinical trials examining CRS-HIPEC in recurring and primary grade III ovarian cancer showed that HIPEC produced a 2-fold overall survival rate and overall survival benefit of 11 months, respectively.

An Oncologist in India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak says, “The ability to recover following CRS-HIPEC treatment relies on the severity of your cancer and the scope of the procedure. The length of surgery might range from 5-12 hours, with a subsequent 10- to 14-day hospital stay. Usually, recovery takes 2-3 months.”

You may experience the following side effects during your recovery period:

• Bloating
• Problems with bowel movements – constipation/diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Tiredness

An Oncologist in India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak says, “The ability to recover following CRS-HIPEC treatment relies on the severity of your cancer and the scope of the procedure. The length of surgery might range from 5-12 hours, with a subsequent 10- to 14-day hospital stay. Usually, recovery takes 2-3 months.”

You may experience the following side effects during your recovery period:

• Bloating
• Problems with bowel movements – constipation/diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Tiredness

What is removed in Cytoreductive surgery?

CRS involves the removal of visible malignant tumors from the abdominal cavity. The next step is HIPEC, where the cavity is drenched in hot chemotherapy heated to 42 °C to eliminate any tiny cancer cells that may still be present.

How is HIPEC different from traditional chemotherapy?

Traditional chemotherapy is administered intravenously to target cancer cells. Unfortunately, peritoneal carcinomatosis frequently has a low or restricted blood supply, making it more challenging for intravenous chemotherapy to destroy these tumors. 

Thanks to HIPEC, chemotherapy medications are able to interact directly with microscopic cells that remain in the peritoneal cavity.

In India, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with one woman getting diagnosed every 4 minutes and one dying of it every 8 minutes. The statistics are scary.

The good news is breast cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. The 5-year survival rate for treatment in an early stage is 99%. That’s the main reason Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a world-acclaimed surgical oncologist in Bangalore, stresses the need for breast cancer awareness among people.

He is the Chairman – Oncology Services, Karnataka, India, and Executive Director – Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, KIMS Hospital, Bangalore. He is considered a leading oncologist for breast cancer treatment in Bangalore, India, for his vast experience, astute diagnosis, and exceptional surgical skills.

He firmly believes that women must get screened regularly for early detection, which is the key to successfully treating cancer. Further, they must carry out self-examination at home every month. It’s high time women stop ignoring their health.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak offers advice on identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages.Continue reading to learn more about the early warning signs of breast cancer and how to protect your health by following the tips.

While doing a self-exam at home, you should look out for the following signs:

• Lumps
• Change in skin texture, like extremely dry, scaly, or sunburned
• Nipple discharge
• Swelling and redness around the breasts
• Dimpling of skin
• Inverting of nipples
• Crusting or rashes around the areola and nipples
• Lymph node changes

Now that you know the initial symptoms of breast cancer let’s move forward to understand how to detect breast cancer early on.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best cancer specialist in Bangalore, strongly advises women to perform monthly self-exams and check for any changes in the breast. Doing it regularly will make them more attentive to any potential warning signs.

Steps for breast self-examination:

• Stand before a mirror and look at your breasts. Pay close attention to any potential skin texture anomalies, such as dimpling, creases, or other irregularities.
• Then look for any changes in the texture of your skin or any discharge as you raise your arms above your head.
• Further, check for any evident lumps with a firm, smooth touch while resting on your back or in the shower. Don’t forget to pay attention to the area under your arms.

If you notice a change or lump in the breast which wasn’t present earlier, please get it examined by a doctor as soon as possible. It may just be a benign cyst or lump, but it is always better to be cautious.

Knowing your family’s medical history is crucial for determining your breast cancer risk. Family history includes first-degree relatives, your parents and siblings, and second-degree relatives, your aunts and cousins.

A woman’s risk significantly increases if her family has a history of the disease.According to some research, your risk doubles if your parents or siblings have breast cancer.

Remember to discuss your family history of breast cancer with your doctor, so they know the possibility of hereditary concerns. Accordingly, they may advise you about regular screening and a healthy lifestyle.

Women should visit their doctor for an annual health check-up, which usually includes a breast exam, routine pelvic exam, and pap test. 

During the examination,make it a point to discuss your health issues, family history, and healthcare options with your doctor. However, immediately consult your doctor without waiting for your annual check-up if you notice a lump or other breast cancer-related signs.

For early breast cancer detection, mammograms are essential. This non-invasive techniquecan identify cancer three years before you feel a lump. Your age and medical history will determine how often you should have a mammogram.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a prominent oncologist for breast cancer treatment in Bangalore, recommends that women above 40 should get a mammogram done every two years. 

However, if you are below 40 and have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about it. He will plan your screening schedule depending on your risk factor.

If your mammogram results show up some abnormalities, your doctor may suggest added tests, such as:

• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Biopsy 

Please do not panic about the abnormal mammogram result as it may be due to a benign tumor or cyst, which are quite common.

And if breast cancer is detected, then be assured that many treatment options are available. Women have a better chance of overcoming breast cancer with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist in Bangalore, says that India is at the forefront of advanced cancer treatments. We have the latest medical technology and expertise that is on par with the best medical centres in the world. 

He has successfully treated thousands of breast cancer patients with advanced surgical modalities, including laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic surgeries. These minimally invasive surgeries offer unparallel surgical precision, less trauma, quicker recovery, minimum complication, and faster return to a normal lifestyle.

Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer in India among women. With the cases increasing every year, it’s a matter of grave concern.

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries, peritoneum, and fallopian tubes. The ovaries, a part of the women’s reproductive system, lie on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced surgical oncologist in India, explains that ovarian cancer is easier to treat when it is confined to the ovaries.

But sadly, it goes undiagnosed in the early stages, as there are no symptoms. Cancer has already metastasized to the abdomen and pelvis when the symptoms appear, which is challenging to treat.

Ovarian cancer can affect any woman, but some factors can potentially increase the risk of developing the disease. We cannot change some aspects as being older, having the genetic mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2, and having a family history of cancers.

Being an expert in ovarian cancer treatment in Bangalore, India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak often gets queries from his patients about how to prevent ovarian cancer.

He says it is not possible to prevent ovarian cancer at present, but fortunately, there are a few ways to help lower the risk. He believes that people will be attentive to the symptoms if they know the risks and visit the doctor as soon as possible.

Continue reading to learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and ways to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

They include:

• Back or stomach pain
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
• Bloating
• Discomfort near the pelvis
• Difficulty eating
• Weight loss
• Frequent need to urinate
• Changes in bowel habit

Other medical disorders might bring on these symptoms. Doctors can identify the disease using some tests, including blood tests and pelvic examinations.

Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer are:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Overweight
• Age above 50 years
• Endometriosis
• Inherited gene mutations
• Difficulty conceiving or giving birth
• Previously having colon, breast, or uterine cancer
• Hormone replacement therapy

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist for ovarian cancer treatment in Bangalore, states that if you have more than one risk factor, please talk to your doctor about it and the possible screening tests.

Giving birth and breastfeeding

In comparison to women who do not give birth, those who do have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially before the age of 30. Having more children further reduces the risk.

Also, breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of having ovarian cancer, which decreases the longer, you nurse

According to research, ovarian cancer risk is up to 50% lower among women who have used oral contraceptives in the past. The risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases with continued use of the pill.

However, consult your doctor to see if oral contraceptives suit you because not everyone responds well to them. Further, they can cause other complications, such as blood clots in women who smoke.

The risk of ovarian cancer decreases by managing your weight. You will have to exercise regularly and have a healthy, balanced diet.

Certain foods that are high in vitamin A, such as leafy green vegetables, carrots,and sweet potatoes, as well as foods like eggs, beans, almonds, etc., that are rich in vitamin D, also lower your risk of having ovarian cancer.

Avoiding tobacco use and exposure can reduce your chance of ovarian cancer and many other cancer types.Abstaining from tobacco use, controlling your alcohol intake, eating healthily, and exercising minimizes your ovarian cancer risk.

As hormone replacement therapy is one of the risk factors for ovarian cancer, it would be better if you could ask your doctor about alternative treatments for HRT after menopause.

Lower risk of ovarian cancer is linked to having some gynecological surgeries, such as:

• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Tubal ligation
• Removal of either fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), ovaries (oophorectomy), or both.

However, according to specialists, you should undergo these procedures for genuine medical needs rather than for their effect on ovarian cancer.

Suppose you are undergoing a hysterectomy for medical reasons, and your family has a history of ovarian or breast cancer. In that case, you might consider having a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which involves removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Further, according to studies, premenopausal women with BRCA gene mutations who have removed their ovaries have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

It decreases the risk of breast cancer by more than 50 percent and ovarian cancer by 85 to 95 percent.

Each of the above points has its pros and cons. Some are easy to follow, whereas some need surgical intervention. Due to this, certain preventive methods may not be suitable for everyone.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologists in India, recommends that you should discuss your worries about developing ovarian cancer with your doctor. They can assess your level of risk and provide a preventive plan that is suitable for you.

Esophageal cancer, also called cancer of the food pipe, occurs in the tube connecting the stomach and throat. It is aggressive cancer having a poor prognosis compared to other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best surgical oncologist in India, states that patients have a better chance of survival if the cancer is detected in the very early stage. That’s why he encourages people to be aware of the sign and symptoms of esophageal cancer, which include:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Chest pain in the centre
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Food coming back up after swallowing
• Persistent cough
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is a prominent oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India. Currently, he is the Chairman – Oncology Services, Karnataka, India and Executive Director – Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, KIMS Hospital, Bangalore

He specializes in the latest surgical modalities such as laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic, which provide unmatched accuracy and precision in treating hard-to-reach constricted places such as the esophagus.

In this article, we will focus on how esophageal cancer is staged and graded as your treatment option, and the chance of recovery depend on it.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, explains that cancer is staged in order to determine its location, size, and whether it has spread or impacted other areas of the body.  After you complete all your diagnostic tests, staging will be done. The stage will be from 0 to 4, with 0 as the precancer stage and 4 as the most advanced stage.

Doctors will use this information to determine the best treatment course and predict the patient’s prognosis.

To determine the stage of cancer, you will have to undergo the following tests:

• Blood tests
• Ct scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• PET scan
• Biopsy

An essential part of diagnosis and staging is assessing the extent to which cancer has spread. 

The endoscopic ultrasound, also called endosonography, is necessary for staging esophageal cancer. To observe and collect samples from the esophagus, the doctor passes a tube with light through the mouth. 

The doctor can use the tube’s tip to do an ultrasound on the affected area. The computer creates an image by analysing how the high-energy sound waves that penetrate the tissues bounce back.

In addition to this test, the doctor may ask you to undergo thoracoscopy to collect samples of the lymph nodes and surrounding areas. In this endoscopic procedure, a small incision is made between the ribs to insert a tube containing a camera, light, and equipment to take samples of the esophagus, chest lymph nodes, and lungs.

Once the samples of the tumor are collected, the pathologist analyses them under the microscope using special dyes to highlight the cells’ structure.  The grade is determined by comparing the cancer cells with the surrounding healthy cells. The grading will depend on the appearance and the rate of growth.

The stage of cancer is assessed using the finding of the diagnostic scans and tests. Doctors usually use the TNM system to describe the stage. The doctor will give a score of 0 to 4 for each letter depending on the severity of cancer. 0 indicates cancer is not present, whereas 4 means it has spread extensively.

TNM stands for:

• T for tumor: It indicates how extensive the cancer is and how much it has grown into the esophageal wall and surrounding tissues.
• N for nodes: This indicates whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and how many have been affected.
• M for metastasis: It specifies if cancer has spread to other organs.

The stage of cancer is determined on the basis of the TNM system along with the type of cancer, grade, and location (upper, middle, or lower part of the esophagus).

• Stage 1 – The cancer is localized. It is still only present in the inner layer of the esophagus.
• Stage 2 – Cancer has penetrated deeper into the layers of the esophageal and may have spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage 3 – Cancer has reached the nearby lymph nodes and possibly the nearby organs and tissues.
• Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized to distant organs and parts of the body.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, further states that along with staging, the doctor will also mention whether there is scope for surgery to remove the tumor.

Resectable cancer means the surgeon can remove cancer from the esophagus, whereas unresectable cancer means it won’t be possible to remove the tumor with surgery successfully.

Surgery is possible for stages 0, 1, or 2. However, the patient has to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Unresectable cancers have mainly spread to nearby organs such as the spine, airway, or aorta. They are hard to treat as surgery is not an option.

Esophageal cancer staging helps the doctor plan the most appropriate treatment for you.  No doubt, being diagnosed with cancer can be traumatic and daunting, but remember, medical science has advanced tremendously, and treatments are available.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly passionate and experienced oncologist in Bangalore, India, is known to provide advanced minimally invasive esophageal cancer treatment to patients from all over the globe.

Mouth and oral cancers refer to cancers of the oral cavity, lip, larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. With over 377,700 reported cases in 2020 worldwide, oral cavity and lip cancers are the most prevalent.

According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the increased fatality rate associated with oral cancer is brought on by the fact that the disease is often discovered in its advanced stages, most frequently after it has already started spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck.

It can be a severe disease, but fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-accomplished cancer specialist in Bangalore, says that early detection and treatment of oral cancer are essential, but misconceptions about the condition can make this difficult.

When it comes to cancer, there are many myths and misconceptions floating around. Oral cancer is no different. 

Here are 5 of the most common myths about oral cancer:

While it is true that habitual use of tobacco and alcohol are the two most prevalent risk factors for oral cancer, they are not the only ones. Non-smokers and abstainers of alcohol may experience a diagnosis at some stage in life. 

Mouth cancer risk factors also include prolonged sun exposure, weaker immune system, HPV infection, age (risk rises with age), gender (men are more at risk), and a bad diet. Your genetics also plays a role in oral cancer risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often regarded as the best oncologist in India, says it is important to see a dentist or doctor regularly so that they can catch any early signs of cancer.

Oral cancer can be quite sneaky.

It often starts out as a minor, painless sore or lump that can be easily overlooked. Usually, oral or mouth cancer can appear in hard-to-see locations like the tonsils, base of the tongue, lymph nodes, and the lining of your mouth.

Symptoms that you need to look out for include:

• hoarseness or difficulty in trying to speak
• sores or lumps in your mouth or lips that do not heal
• red or white patches on your mouth lining, gums, tongue, or tonsils
• unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• trouble swallowing

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent any cancer, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. 

The most critical approach to preventing mouth or oral cancer may be to never start smoking. If you do smoke, it is a good idea to quit. Abstain from all tobacco products, particularly chewing tobacco. 

In order to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, you should include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, drink less alcohol, and minimize exposure to the sun’s rays on your lips. Your risks of contracting HPV are also decreased by receiving the HPV vaccination and engaging in safe sexual practices.

While most people think oral cancer only affects older adults, this is not the case. Oral cancer is gradually becoming among the most common cancers in young adults.Because oral cancer frequently takes a long time to develop, most instances are identified in people 50 years of age or older. 

But as cases of oral cancer linked to HPV have increased over time, younger people are now at higher risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often called the best oncologist in Bangalore, advises that the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of getting HPV infections which increase the risk factor for oral and mouth cancers.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-skilled surgical oncologist in India, observes that many of his patients are often thoroughly shocked when diagnosed with oral cancer as they had not noticed any symptoms until recently.

Many people think oral cancer is always noticeable, and you would know if you had it. This is definitely not true! As we mentioned before, oral cancer can be quite sneaky. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already spread.

That is why it is essential to see a dentist or doctor regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. They can perform a visual examination of your mouth and throat to look for any early signs of cancer.

Oral or mouth cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Most people think that oral cancer is always fatal. Fortunately, this is not true.  The survival rate for those diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer is about 83%. So if you are diagnosed with oral cancer, do not lose hope. There is a good chance you will beat it.

Do not let myths about oral cancer prevent you from getting the screenings you need.

If you are worried about your risk, talk to an experienced oncologist like Dr. Sandeep Nayak. With his decades of expertise in providing advanced and effective treatments to cancer patients, he will help assess your condition and offer the best oral cancer treatment in Bangalore.