Gingival cancer is a rare type of malignancy that develops from the tissue surrounding the teeth in the oral cavity [1]. It is also called gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) from the squamous cells that line the mouth.
Squamous cell gingival carcinoma accounts for about 10% of all oral cancers and is more common in white men after the age of 40. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for gum cancer is around 68% and differs with stage, with localized tumors having a much higher survival rate [2].
Gingival squamous cell carcinoma stages
Gingival tumor stages are [3]:
- Stage 1 gum cancer is when the tumor is up to 2 cm with no lymph node involvement.
- Stage 2 gum cancer characterizes the size of the tumor from 2 to 4 cm and does not spread into the regional lymph nodes.
- Gum cancer stage 3 describes the tumor that is larger than 4 cm, or it spreads to the surrounding lymph nodes.
Stage 4 gum cancer is often called metastatic, because it invades large lymph nodes, distal organs, and grows deep into the tissue.
Diagnosis and Tests for gingival squamous cell carcinoma
Diagnostic tests that are most performed to test for malignancy in the oral cavity [4]:
- Clinical exam. It can be detected during a visual examination of the oral cavity done by a dentist or other medical specialist.
- Biopsy. It is a gold standard for diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is taken for pathological evaluation.
- Computed tomography (CT scan). Critical for tumour imaging.
- Positron emission tomography (PET scan). Shows the presence of metastases and tumor activity.
- HPV infection testing. The results can define prognosis and change treatment planning.
Standard treatment methods for oral cavity tumors
Standard treatment protocols for cancer tumors on gums include [5]:
- Chemotherapy. It is the most administered treatment, but it also has systemic effects, such as general weakness, vomiting, low blood count, and more.
- Radiation therapy is often performed to shrink the tumor and stop its growth. But the side effects include mucositis, dry mouth, taste changes, and increased risk of dental complications.
- Surgery. It is the primary treatment for early squamous cell carcinoma of the gum, allowing for the preservation of speech, swallowing, and appearance.
Innovative treatment methods for gingival squamous cell carcinoma
Dendritic cell therapy
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccine therapy is a new state-of-the-art treatment option aimed to provide you with a lifelong immune shield against malignancy. Dendritic cells are responsible for teaching T-lymphocytes to recognize abnormal cells and kill the gingival squamous cell carcinoma. This discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011, showing the key role of dendritic cells in initiating and regulating immune responses [6].
The process of getting the vaccine is simple and transparent. Your blood is being collected for further laboratory processing of dendritic cells, education with your specific tumor antigens. Then the vaccine is administered back to you so your body can start an intense immune response against the tumor.
This type of treatment for cancer of the gums is easier to tolerate than standard treatment protocols like chemotherapy, giving patients a chance to keep their quality of life.
Interview with Prof. Gansauge: What is Dendritic cell vaccination and how it can be the cure for your case
Regional chemotherapy
Regional chemotherapy is a modern alternative to classic chemotherapy. It enables the delivery of high doses of drugs directly to the tumor or metastases. This limits whole-body exposure and reduces side effects from standard treatment. It is also called short-term intra-arterial infusion. The techniques of this therapy are [7]:
- Intra‐arterial port system (i.a. port) for short‐term infusion
- Short‐term intra‐arterial infusion through an angiocatheter
- Short‐term intra‐arterial (i.a.) infusion via the port catheter or angiocatheter combined with isolated thoracic perfusion (ITP)
Regional chemotherapy for gingival carcinoma provides patients with efficient treatment, fewer side effects, and improved quality of life.
Stage 4 cancer treatment
This stage usually requires a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on controlling the disease spread, relieving symptoms, and maintaining an active lifestyle as soon as possible.
The treatment involves a combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and new treatments like dendritic cell cancer treatment [9]. This, with pain control, can give the patient a chance to manage the disease, limit tumour growth, and enjoy years with their family.
| Side Effects | Duration | Response rate stage 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard chemotherapy | Severe (nausea, hair loss) | Several cycles | Less than 10% |
| Regional chemotherapy (interventional radiology) | Minimal (flu-like symptoms) | Repeatable procedure | 50-80% |
Treatment options and advantages in Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries for the treatment of cancer of the gums. They excel in an advanced diagnostic and comprehensive approach, giving access to the world's most innovative treatment options. Specialized centers in Germany provide treatment to all stages, from early diagnosed tumors to advanced stage 4 tumors with metastases. With coordinated care, structured clinical pathways, rehabilitation services, and new therapies like dendritic cell vaccination or regional chemotherapy, you will experience the best care and a chance to live a whole and active life even with a neoplastic process diagnosis.
Gum cancer patient stories
A tumor diagnosis is a challenge to manage, especially with so many opinions and treatments available. It is essential to choose the best hospital for gum cancer, with a personalized approach and multidisciplinary teams available to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
Take a story of a 62-year-old male diagnosed with stage 3 gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) during biopsy of a gingival ulcer. He was offered treatment for gum cancer in Germany and underwent the procedure called intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion, which is an innovative treatment of head and neck tumors. The patient completed several cycles of treatment, experiencing only mild side effects. During follow-up, significant tumor regression and pain control were achieved. The patient also preserved speech and chewing, allowing him to maintain his quality of life.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex cancer management programs in each case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized gum cancer treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets.
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you on the way of pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods for squamous cell gum cancer with leading specialists in this field.
Fighting Cancer Together: Treatment Journeys with Booking Health
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Cancer
Send request for treatmentThis type of tumor is less frequent than other forms, making up about 10% of all tumors in the oral cavity.
Gingival carcinoma is a type of oral tumor that grows in the tissue that surrounds your teeth. But people can develop gingival cancer from the same risk factors as tobacco use or alcohol.
Yes, especially during the early stages of gum cancer, when the tumour is small, and treatment starts as soon as possible. Even in the later stages, if you start gingival malignancy early treatment, the chance of prolonged survival is high.
The early signs of gingival tumor include white patches, non-healing ulcers, and contact bleeding. These symptoms may appear to be simple inflammation, but a closer look from a medical professional is essential.
Gingival cancer symptoms and signs include local pain, loose teeth, lesions, swelling, sores, and ulcerations.
Cancer of the gums may initially mimic other gingival diseases. But if the ulcers or bleeding are persistent, it can be a sign of cancer in the gums.
Stage 1 gingival tumors look like small areas of inflammation in the mouth, in the form of lesions or ulcers. If symptoms persist, it is essential to perform a biopsy to confirm whether the squamous cells are malignant cells.
The diagnostic tests, such as biopsy and imaging (CT, PET scan), are performed to determine tumor stage and potentially mouth tumor metastasis.
Early gum cancer signs can be detected during routine dental appointments or by yourself if you notice some non-healing spots. It is crucial to consult a medical professional for an evaluation.
Stage 4 tumor of the gums requires a personalized treatment plan and combines standard treatment protocols like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery with innovative procedures like dendritic cell therapy treatment.
Gingival tumor metastasis usually spreads into nearby head and neck lymph nodes and organs like lungs, bones or liver.
Distant metastases are not common in patients with oral tumors, but during later stages, it usually spreads to the neck and lungs.
The 5-year survival rate for gingival malignancies is around 68%. But if it is diagnosed in early stages, it can be over 85%.
The best treatment depends on the oral stage and includes a combination of treatment options like surgery and regional chemotherapy.
For most patients with head and neck tumors, including gingival tumors, radiation therapy and chemotherapy remain in the standard treatment protocols.
Yes, new therapies like regional chemotherapy or dendritic cells cancer treatment are available for the patients at the best hospitals for gingival cancer treatment.
Gingival tumor treatment options do not always include surgery, especially if the tumour is advanced.
As a patient, you can access the most innovative therapies in Germany. They offer highly personalized treatment and diagnostics, and, most importantly, excellent patient care.
It can cost around €300,000 for a full course of treatment in the USA or Great Britain. Treatment in Germany can vary from €50,000 to €150,000.
The best hospital for mouth malignancies is considered Memorial Sloan Kettering in the USA. The best centre for treatment for gingival cancer in Germany is University Hospital Rechts der Isar (Munich).
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Yana Dmytryshyn. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
[1] Carolina Watters, Sabrina Brar, Tom Pepper. Cancer of the Oral Mucosa. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. 2024 Mar 15. [PubMed]
[2] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Oral Cancer 5-Year Survival Rates by Race, Sex, and Stage of Diagnosis. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/oral-cancer/survival-rates
[3] Rengaswamy Sankaranarayanan, Kunnambath Ramadas, Hemantha Amarasinghe et al. Oral Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment. In: Cancer: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 3). Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2015 Nov 1. Chapter 5. [DOI] [NCBI]
[4] Cochrane. What are the most accurate tests for finding cancer of the mouth (oral cancer) and conditions that may lead to oral cancer?
[5] José-Nunes Carneiro-Neto, Juliana-Dreyer-da-Silva de-Menezes, Lucas-Borin Moura et al. Protocols for management of oral complications of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for oral cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis current. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2016 Dec 6;22(1):e15–e23. doi: 10.4317/medoral.21314. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[6] Ralph M Steinman. Dendritic cells: understanding immunogenicity. Eur J Immunol. 2007 Nov:37 Suppl 1:S53-60. doi: 10.1002/eji.200737400. [DOI] [PubMed]
[7] Karl R Aigner, Emir Selak, Kornelia Aigner. Short-term intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for head and neck cancer patients maintaining quality of life. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2019 Jan;145(1):261-268. doi: 10.1007/s00432-018-2784-4. Epub 2018 Oct 31. [DOI] [PubMed]
[8] Karl R Aigner, Emir Selak, Kornelia Aigner. Approaching 10 years disease-free survival after isolated thoracic perfusion for advanced stage IV tonsil carcinoma: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020:75:71-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.08.058. Epub 2020 Sep 3. [DOI] [PubMed]
[9] Takumi Hasegawa, Yasuyuki Shibuya, Daisuke Taked et al. Prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with level IV/V metastasis: An observational study. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2017 Jan;45(1):145-149. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2016.10.011. Epub 2016 Oct 29. [DOI] [PubMed]
Read:
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Article menu:
- Gingival squamous cell carcinoma stages
- Diagnosis and Tests for gingival squamous cell carcinoma
- Standard treatment methods for oral cavity tumors
- Innovative treatment methods for gingival squamous cell carcinoma
- Stage 4 cancer treatment
- Treatment options and advantages in Germany
- Gum cancer patient stories
- A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
- Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Cancer
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