Post Oral Cancer Surgery Diet

Today, the human body is under a constant threat of death and diseases. One of the most potent among them is cancer. We all know that cancer can affect any part of the human body. Nevertheless, in this blog, we are going to talk about the branch of cancer which affects the mouth and how one can fight it through a proper diet.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral Cancer also referred to as oral cavity cancer, is a branch of cancer which affects a person's mouth. It may include the tongue, lips, cheeks, hard and soft palate, sinuses, the floor of the mouth and throat or pharynx. This often leads to difficulty to chew and swallow food resulting in a lack of proper nutrition. While there are centers for oral cancer treatment in Mumbai to help guide patients, there are certain steps one can take themselves from the comfort of their home.

Types of food to focus on

Having nutritious food is an integral part of recovery while undergoing oral cancer surgery. This will not only help gain strength and body mass but also fight infections. However, studies have shown that cancer treatment comes hand in hand with loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Thus, making large meals seem unappealing. The best way to combat this is munching on small proportions at least 6 to 8 times a day. Following are some of the types of food suggested by centers for mouth cancer treatment in Mumbai that can be added to the mix.

• Go for items enriched in calories such as avocado, pudding, eggs prepared in olive oil, hummus dips, etc.

• Choose fruits and vegetables that are bright in colour to help make the meal appealing like watermelon, carrots, spinach, and others.

• For those who are experiencing soreness and stiff jaws mashed potatoes, soups, and bananas are the go-to option.

• Try out smoothies made from berries of your choice as they are filled with antioxidants and vitamins.

What to avoid?

When a person has recently undergone oral cancer treatment or is in the process, it is best to steer clear of certain varieties of food. Experts of oral cancer treatments in Mumbai and other states believe that such items carry bugs, viruses and bacteria resulting in chances of food poisoning. Here's a list:

•  Uncooked salami, eggs, mushrooms and sprouts

•  Raw milk and its products

• Different types of soft cheese especially blue-veined ones

• Smoked fish and meat

• Fishes that are rich in mercury

• Unwashed vegetables and fruits mainly those that are leafy

Importance of nutrition/ how malnutrition can be lethal

With the advancement of modern medicine, today there are treatments for oral cancer. It may include radiotherapy, surgery, etc. However, these often result in soreness in the throat, jaw, mouth and tongue making it difficult to eat. The obvious outcome of such changes is a drastic loss of weight i.e., malnutrition. Following is a list of consequences of such an outcome.

• Diminishing chances of survival

• Poor quality of life

• Increased risk of infections

•  Psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, etc.

• Restricted physical activities and movement

When a body is fighting cancer cells it is of utmost importance to include solid meals in the schedule. However, in case of excessive difficulty in eating, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, etc. doctors may even go for liquid meals to keep the body enriched. Here, a feeding tube being an obvious option can be attached directly to the stomach, through the throat or from nose to stomach.

In conclusion

Getting diagnosed with oral cancer can be intimidating. Nonetheless, there are advanced mouth cancer treatments in Mumbai in recent times. These along with a constant nutritious diet during and post oral cancer surgery can sum up to a speedy recovery.