What is Oral cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures
What is Oral cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures
What is Oral cancer?
Oral cancer refers to any type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth, tongue, gums, or throat. It typically starts as a small, painless lesion or sore that gradually grows and can become painful. Oral cancer can occur in anyone, but it is most commonly seen in people over the age of 40 who use tobacco (smoking or chewing), consume excessive amounts of alcohol, have a history of oral cancer in their family, have a weakened immune system, or have human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Oral cancer can be detected early through regular dental check-ups, as dentists are trained to identify suspicious lesions or growths in the mouth. If detected early, oral cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of around 80%.
oral cancer symptoms
- Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within a couple of weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Pain or difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
- Your Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit properly
- Changes your teeth fit together when you bite down
oral cancer causes
The exact causes of oral cancer are not fully understood, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some common causes and risk factors of oral cancer include:
1.Tobacco use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products (such as snuff or chewing tobacco) is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer.
2.Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.
3.Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, have been linked to oral cancer.
4.Age: Oral cancer is a common in people over the 40 age.
5.Gender: Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
6.Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of oral cancer.
7.Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can increase the risk of lip cancer.
8.Genetic predisposition: A family history of oral cancer or other types of cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease.
oral cancer treatment
The treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences
1.Surgery: Surgery is often the first line of treatment for oral cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, surgery may involve removing part or all of the tongue, jawbone, or other affected tissues.
2.Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
3.Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. You can used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy, especially in advanced cases of oral cancer.
4.Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer form of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This type of therapy is still being studied for its effectiveness in treating oral cancer.
5.Rehabilitation: After treatment, rehabilitation may be necessary to help restore function to the mouth and jaw, such as speech therapy or physical therapy.
