The number of new cases on cancer grows every year even after our knowledge on prevention and treatment of disease is increasing. According to WHO, oral cavity cancer is amongst the most prevalent cancers worldwide whose incidence rates are higher in men than women.
If you have cancer in the mouth, it can affect your day to day routine. Depending on the location, size, and intensity, oral cancer can change your life.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is a fairly common cancer that starts in the mouth or throat. This form of cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, gums, floor, the roof of the mouth, and other places.
The abnormal cells often grow and form a lump or mass called a tumor. These cells can spread to the nearby areas and also to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. Oral cancer is very much curable if found and treated at an early stage. An expert doctor or dentist usually find oral cancer in its early stages because the mouth can be easily examined.
Different types of oral cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common.
- Verrucous carcinoma
- Salivary gland tumors
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
A risk factor is anything that may increase the chance of having a disease. Some risk factors may not be in your control. Men tend to be at higher risk than women for oral cancer, which is diagnosed most often in adults between the ages of 55 and 64 years.
You're more at risk for it if you have:
- Used tobacco in the past
- Drink alcohol heavily.
- Excess sun exposure
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
- Lack of fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Chronic mouth irritation, caused by poorly-fitted dentures
- Betel nut use
- Certain inherited conditions, as Fanconi anemia
- Premalignant conditions of the oral cavity
Discuss with expert oncologists or dentists about your risk factors for oral cancer and what you can do about them.
What are the symptoms?
Oral cancer is often noticed when there are unusual changes in the mouth. Significant signs of oral cancer include:
- Sore on the lips or in the mouth that will not heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness on the lips or in the mouth
- Lump, thickening, a rough spot, crusty area, or eroded area on the lips, mouth or in the throat
- Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
- Lump or growth in your or neck
- Cough or sore throat that will not go away
- Ear Pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness or other changes in your voice
Many of the above symptoms can be even caused by other health problems. But it is essential to see your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only an expert doctor can determine if you have cancer.
How is oral cancer treated?
An expert caregiver decides a cancer treatment depending on the type, stage, and severity of oral cancer. Cancer treatment may be either local or systemic. Local procedures are used to remove, destroy, or control cancer cells in a particular area. Surgery and radiation therapies are considered as local treatments. Systemic treatment is aimed to destroy or control cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is deemed to be systemic therapy. Your expert oncologist may provide you with just one treatment or a combination of treatments.
Most common treatment methods are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Supportive care
Talk with your healthcare providers about your treatment options to know the benefits and possible side effects of each treatment option. Share your concerns with your healthcare provider before making a decision.
Visit Us: oncologistindia.com
Blog Reviewed By: Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala
Mail us: oncologistindiadrshiva@gmail.com
Book appointment:oncologistindia.com/book-appointment
