Oral cancer – cancer of the mouth, tongue, gums, cheek lining and lips – is one of the most common cancers in India, and Mumbai sees a large number of cases linked to chewing tobacco, gutka, paan with tobacco and smoking. It is also one of the cancers where treatment affects daily life the most, because eating, swallowing, speaking and even opening the mouth can all become difficult.
This page explains what treatment usually involves, the side effects people commonly face, and how complementary homeopathic cancer care at Welling Homeopathy can sit alongside – never in place of – the plan made by your oncology team.
How oral (mouth) cancer is usually treated
Treatment is planned by a head and neck oncology team after a biopsy and scans (CT, MRI or PET-CT). Depending on the site and stage it may include:
- Surgery – removal of the tumour, sometimes with neck lymph nodes, and reconstruction to restore appearance, speech and swallowing.
- Radiation therapy – after surgery, or as the main treatment for some early or inoperable cancers, usually given over six to seven weeks.
- Chemotherapy – commonly cisplatin given together with radiation (chemoradiation), or on its own for advanced disease.
- Targeted and immunotherapy drugs – used in selected recurrent or advanced cases.
- Rehabilitation – speech, swallowing, dental and nutrition support, which are as important as the cancer treatment itself.
Common side effects of treatment
Side effects differ from person to person and depend on the drugs, doses and your general health. Your oncology team can often prevent or reduce many of them with medicines and supportive measures, so always report symptoms early.
Chemotherapy
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Severe tiredness and weight loss
- Low blood counts and infection risk
- Kidney strain, ringing in the ears and hearing loss with cisplatin (your team will monitor these)
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
Radiation therapy
- Painful mouth and throat sores (mucositis) that make eating and drinking difficult
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) from damage to the salivary glands
- Loss or change of taste, and thick sticky saliva
- Difficulty swallowing and weight loss
- Stiff jaw and difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
- Dental problems and gum infections
- Redness, darkening and soreness of the skin of the neck and face
- Fatigue and voice changes
After surgery
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking clearly
- Neck and shoulder stiffness
- Swelling and numbness around the operated area
- Emotional distress about appearance and speech
How complementary homeopathic care fits in
Complementary care means supportive treatment given together with your oncology treatment. At Welling Homeopathy the aim is to help you feel as well as possible during and after treatment: easing symptoms and side effects where we can, supporting appetite, energy and sleep, and helping you keep up your quality of life so that you can carry on with the treatment your doctors have planned.
What does the research say? Research on homeopathy for the side effects of cancer treatment is limited. A few small studies of particular remedies (for example for radiation skin reactions or mouth sores) have been reported, but good-quality evidence is lacking, and homeopathy has not been shown to treat or cure cancer. For this reason we use homeopathic care only as a complement, and never as a replacement for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted, hormonal or immune therapy, or for the advice of your oncologist.
ImmunoKnife™ Homeopathy Treatment Process
ImmunoKnife™ is the speciality homeopathic treatment process for cancers developed by Dr. Sourabh Welling at Welling Research Labs in Mumbai and practised at the Welling cancer clinics. Our approach looks at the whole person – the disease, the treatment you are having, your symptoms and your constitution – and is aimed at easing treatment-related problems such as mouth sores, dryness, weakness and poor appetite, and at supporting overall quality of life while your doctors treat the cancer. It is offered as supportive care around your oncology treatment, and your oncologist should always be told about it.
Over 25 years of experience treating patients
Dr. Sourabh Welling, founder of Welling Homeopathy, has been treating patients for more than 25 years, including people living with cancer and going through chemotherapy and radiation. In a first consultation he and his team take a detailed history – your diagnosis and treatment plan, your symptoms, your past health and your personality – so that supportive care is planned around you and not around a standard list.
Practical ways to feel better during treatment
- Stop all tobacco, gutka, paan and alcohol – this is the single most helpful step for treatment results and for preventing a second cancer. Ask your doctor about cessation support.
- Dental check-up before radiation – your team may advise treating or removing damaged teeth first; keep up careful oral hygiene throughout.
- Soft, cool, bland food – curd, buttermilk, dalia, mashed fruit, soups and smoothies are easier on a sore mouth; avoid spicy, sour, very hot or rough food.
- Nutrition shakes and small frequent feeds – weight loss is common, so ask the dietitian about high-calorie, high-protein supplements.
- Sip water often and rinse gently – salt-and-soda rinses help keep the mouth clean; use only mouthwashes your team approves (many contain alcohol).
- Jaw-opening exercises – your speech or physiotherapist will teach exercises that reduce stiffness (trismus); start early and do them every day.
- Protect the skin – avoid sun, scented creams and rubbing the treated area.
When to call your oncologist or go to hospital urgently
Do not wait for a homeopathic appointment if you have any of the following – contact your oncology team or go to the nearest hospital:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above
- Being unable to swallow liquids, medicines or saliva
- Bleeding from the mouth, or a sudden rapid swelling of the mouth or neck
- Noisy or difficult breathing
- A sore, ulcer or lump that has not healed in three weeks (see a doctor promptly if you are not yet diagnosed)
- Severe pain not controlled by your medicines
Consultation in Mumbai
Many patients come to Mumbai from other states for head and neck cancer treatment and stay close to the hospital for weeks. We understand how hard those weeks are and plan supportive visits – in person or online – around your radiation and chemotherapy schedule. You can meet us at our Mumbai clinics (see the Contact page for current addresses and hours), or consult online from wherever you are being treated. Please bring your reports, your treatment plan and a list of everything you are taking.
Going through oral (mouth) cancer treatment in Mumbai? Talk to us before or during your treatment.
Our experts will study your reports, your symptoms and your treatment plan, and explain honestly how supportive homeopathic care can help you through chemotherapy or radiation and in recovery afterwards.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today, or read about our cancer treatment programme.
Frequently asked questions
What are the early signs of mouth cancer?
A mouth ulcer that does not heal in three weeks, white or red patches, a lump or thickening in the cheek or tongue, persistent pain or numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, loose teeth without a clear reason, or a persistent sore throat or hoarseness. Anyone who chews tobacco should have the mouth checked regularly.
Can homeopathy cure oral cancer?
No. Homeopathy has not been shown to cure or treat oral cancer and we do not claim that it does. We offer it only as supportive, complementary care alongside surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and rehabilitation prescribed by your oncology team.
Can complementary care help with mouth sores and dry mouth during radiation?
Our aim is to ease discomfort and support recovery, in addition to your oncology team’s mouth-care measures. Research on homeopathy for radiation mouth sores is limited and results vary, so we always describe it as supportive care and never as a replacement for the standard mouth care your team recommends.
Is homeopathy safe along with chemoradiation?
Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted and are not known to interfere with radiation or chemotherapy, but you should inform your oncologist about everything you are taking. Never delay or stop prescribed treatment.
Is oral cancer curable?
When found early, many oral cancers can be treated successfully with surgery and radiation. Outcomes depend on the stage, site and your overall health, which is why early detection and prompt treatment matter so much.
How do I book a consultation in Mumbai?
Call +91 8080 850 950 to book a 1:1 consultation at one of our Mumbai clinics or online. Please bring your biopsy, scan reports and treatment plan.
Learn more
- All cancer treatment guides for Mumbai
- Homeopathy Specialist for Cancer – our cancer treatment programme
- Speciality Homeopathic Cancer Clinic
- 4 Step Cancer Treatment at Welling Homeopathy
- Exploring Best Cancer Treatment Options in Mumbai: A Comprehensive Guide
- Top Cancer Doctors and Cancer Centres in Mumbai: A Patient’s Guide
- Nutritional Advice for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
- Homeopathy Cancer Treatment Reviews
- Can Lichen Planus Cause Cancer?
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Homeopathy is offered as complementary, supportive care only; it is not claimed to treat or cure cancer. Please follow your oncologist’s advice and do not stop or change any prescribed treatment without consulting them.
