Treatment for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you. The treatment you have depends on the type of cancer and the stage of your cancer.

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a team of health professionals who work together to decide the best treatment and care for you.  
 

Surgery is one of the main treatments for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. You might also have surgery to relieve symptoms, such as difficulty eating.

Your guide to having chemotherapy for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer, types of chemotherapy drugs, and their possible side effects.

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. Find out about having external or internal radiotherapy, and the possible side effects.

Having chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the same time is called chemoradiotherapy. 

Targeted cancer drugs work by targeting the differences in cancer cells that help them to grow and survive. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system to attack the cancer.

After treatment, you have regular check ups and tests at the hospital. The doctors check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries.