3. Stage III: The Regional Spread Begins
The third stage of oral cancer signifies a considerable advancement in the disease. Here, the cancer has matured from its place of origin and is beginning to make its presence known more aggressively.
At this juncture, the size of the tumor is larger—often more than 4 centimeters but no larger than 6 centimeters—yet, it hasn’t spread to distant sites. The dimension alone, however, isn’t the only alarming factor. What’s more concerning is the tumor’s ability to invade adjacent structures in the mouth or throat, indicating its aggressive nature.
Lymph nodes in the area may also begin to show signs of the disease. One lymph node, typically on the same side as the primary tumor, may become affected. It might grow up to 3 centimeters, but no larger, and it doesn’t attach to other structures, which is a silver lining at this stage. The involvement of lymph nodes is critical, as it often dictates the aggressiveness of treatment. The lymphatic system is a conduit for cancer cells, providing an avenue for the disease to spread to other parts of the body.
Symptomatically, the person might begin to notice more pronounced discomfort or pain. Swallowing can become challenging, and there may be persistent ear pain. A continuous sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in the throat may also prevail. These symptoms are not just fleeting or occasional; they linger, causing constant discomfort and acting as red flags.
The course of treatment at this stage often involves a combination of surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible and radiation therapy to kill any lingering cancer cells. The goal is to control the spread and eradicate as many cancer cells as possible. If the lymph nodes are involved, they too may need to be addressed, either through surgical removal or radiation. The treatment approach is multifaceted, tailored to the patient’s specific situation, and always with the intent of achieving the best possible outcome. (3)
