Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore within the mouth that does not go away. It is the common form of head and neck cancer. It regularly influences individuals of age 60 and older, with men being more than twice as likely to be affected compared to women. It affects your lips and the primary parts of your tongue, mouth roof and floor.
The primary causes of oral cancer are often linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or both. Additionally, most throat cancers stem from the human papillomavirus (HPV), with the incidence of HPV-positive oral cancer showing an upward trend in recent years.
Oral cancer manifests as changes inside the mouth, such as white patches or persistent sores that may bleed. What sets these changes apart from common mouth problems is that they do not resolve over time. If left untreated, oral cancer can spread to other areas of the mouth, throat, head, and neck.
Fortunately, with timely intervention, approximately 63% of individuals diagnosed with oral cavity cancer survive beyond five years post-diagnosis. Regular dental check-ups and prompt attention to any unusual symptoms can aid in early detection and treatment, improving the chances of successful outcomes.
Symptoms:
If you notice any of the following symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention from a dentist or doctor:
- Persistent sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in the mouth, lip, or throat.
- You might find white or red patches on the tongue, gums, palate.
- Chronic sore throat, sensation of something stuck in the throat, hoarseness, or voice loss.
- Swollen lump in the neck.
- Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Painful movement of the jaw or tongue.
- Swelling of the jaw leading to ill-fitting or uncomfortable dentures.
- You might find pain and bleeding in the mouth.
- Numbness in the tongue or other oral areas.
- Ear pain.
Causes:
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Consuming tobacco in various forms such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancers.
- Heavy alcohol consumption further amplifies this risk, and using both tobacco and alcohol together exacerbates it even more.
- HPV infection: Oral cancers have been linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (specifically HPV 16), a sexually transmitted infection.
- Age: The risk of oral cancers generally rises with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 40 years old.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to lip cancer.
- Poor nutrition: Diets lacking in fruits and vegetables have been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.
- Genetics: Inherited genetic defects can predispose individuals to mouth and middle throat cancers.
Who is affected by oral cancer?
Overall, around 11 out of 100,000 will develop oral cancer during their lifetime. Men are more likely
than women to develop oral cancer. Individuals who are white are more likely to develop oral cancer than
individuals who are Black.
Benefits of Oral Cancer screening in bandlaguda
- Early Detection of oral Cancer
Experts in oral cancer treatment say that the early detection of cancerous cells in your mouth
significantly increases the chances of cure with minimum deformity and impairment.
- Mouth Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life
Dental screenings for oral cancer make it less
easy to detect the disease at the early stages of its development, which can save your life. The
sooner you identify the signs, the higher your chances of curing cancer.
- Prevention is better than Cure
The best way in prevention of mouth cancer at Best oral cancer screening center in Hyderabad is through routine screenings during your dental check-ups.
It's imperative to note that screening is necessary, it isn't a definitive diagnosis. Any suspicious
findings ought to be evaluated further through extra diagnostic tests at and, if essential, by a
specialist such as an oral and maxillofacial specialist or an oncologist at Aaradhya Speciality clinics.
Regular check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are basic for overall oral health and early
detection of potential issues. If you have got particular concerns or risk factors, consult your doctor
for personalized advice.
Preventing mouth cancer isn't guaranteed, but you can lower your risk by:
- Quitting tobacco: Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, exposes your mouth cells to harmful cancer-causing chemicals. If you use tobacco, consider quitting. If you don't, avoid starting.
- Limiting alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate mouth cells, increasing the risk of cancer. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation - one drink per day for women and men over 65, and up to two drinks per day for men under 65.
- Protecting your lips from the sun: Too much sun exposure can contribute to lip cancer. Shield your lips from the sun by staying in the shade, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, and using sunscreen lip products.
- Make sure to see your dentist regularly. Ask them to check your whole mouth for any unusual signs that might suggest mouth cancer or precancerous changes. Catching it early is crucial for successful treatment.
For more details, consult Dr. Jyosthna Elagandula, one of the leading Medical oncologist in upparpally