As a key member of the Head and Neck Team at Morriston Hospital, Ketan diagnoses and treats over 100+ cases of mouth/skin cancers every year.
If you think you may have a mouth cancer, it’s vital that you see a specialist as soon as possible. Mouth cancers are relatively rare and sadly many patients have their treatment delayed because they have been falsely reassured by clinicians with little to no appropriate experience.
Previously the typical patient with a mouth cancer is someone who has been a smoker and consumed alcohol, but increasingly we are seeing patients who are younger and have no other risk factors. We would therefore advise you to seek an urgent opinion if you are concerned that you may have a mouth cancer.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek an urgent review from a mouth cancer specialist:
- A Persistent ulcer (that lasts 2 weeks or longer)
- A lump in the mouth
- Neck lumps
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Numbness affecting the mouth or lips
- Mobile teeth
- Difficulty swallowing
- A change in voice or speech
It is well established that outcomes are significantly better if cancers are caught at an early stage and we would encourage you to make an appointment if you are concerned. It is also our experience that many patients have been worrying for some time about lesions in their mouth, and many can be immediately reassured by Ketan.
The Procedure
At your consultation, Ketan will take time to hear about the problems you’ve been having as well as perform an examination. Due to the extensive experience in a range of oral conditions in addition to mouth cancers, Ketan is often able to reassure and offer likely diagnosis at this point. Further tests such as biopsies and any scans can usually be performed at that time or at a time to suit.
Mouth Cancer Surgery
Mouth cancer surgery usually involves the removal of the primary tumour within the mouth, removal of the glands in the neck which are at risk of harbouring cancer cells via a neck dissection and reconstruction of the defect to improve swallow and speech.
How Ketan Can Help You?
Ketan is a trained microvascular reconstructive surgeon. He is at the forefront of innovation of reconstructive techniques, including the use of 3D printers and planning to improve outcomes of his surgery.
If you, or your referring doctor, suspect you may have oral cancer, Ketan will expedite your appointment to be able to see you within just a few days, and perform all necessary tests within a week.
