Oral Cancer Symptoms
Oral cancer is the growth of malignant cells of epithelial origin, in any part of the oral cavity that includes lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, palate and tonsils. The most common place of development of cancer are the lips, then the tongue and other places. Symptoms vary depending on the site of cancer, but usually include the formation of ulcers, initially painless. At later stages of development, the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes at the neck or under the jaw.
Treatment depends on the location of the tumor and the stage of development, as well as on the age and health of the patient;usually it involves an operation, irradiation, or both of these methods together. The prognosis is good if the cancer is detected and treated before it spreads. In most cases, lip cancer is well treatable, as it is easy to detect, while the prognosis for most cancers of the tongue is not as optimistic, especially if a part of the tongue is touched on the far side of the mouth and the tumor is hard to see. Cancer of the tongue most often occurs at the edge of the posterior part of the
. Oral cancers form approximately 4 percent of all cancers. The risk increases with age;most cases are observed in people aged 45 years and in men almost twice as often as women.
• Damage to the mucosa or the formation of a small seal or ulceration in some area of the mouth that persists or develops. In the early stages, such damage is often painless. Under the influence of irritation( acute, acidic, hot food), the sore grows rather quickly, taking a craterlike appearance. Secondary infection soon joins, tissue decay accelerates.
• At later stages of difficulty in talking, eating and swallowing.
• Bad smell from the mouth.
• Distorted perception of taste.
• An enlarged growth on the lip, which is covered with a crust and bleeds when the crust is removed.
• In later stages, a sore throat or burning sensation in the mouth, especially during eating or drinking.
• White spots( leukoplakia) or areas of red rough skin( erythroplasty);they must be carefully examined and biopsy, as they can precede cancer.
• The cause of oral cancer is unknown. However, some risk factors include:
• The use of tobacco in any form( smoking, chewing) is a major risk factor.
• Prolonged use of alcohol.
• Poor nutrition( including lack of iron, vitamin A and some B vitamins).
• Sun exposure for a number of years( risk factor for lip cancer).
• Infection with some forms of human papilloma virus.
• A medical history and routine examination of the mouth and neck are required.
• Take a small sample of the affected tissue to examine the cells under a microscope( biopsy) to determine if cancer is present.
• An X-ray of the head or chest may be required to determine whether the cancer has spread.
Good results are observed only with early complex treatment.
• An operation is recommended to remove the tumor, the surrounding tissue and, possibly, the lymph nodes on the neck.
• It is often advised to use radiation therapy when there is a suspicion that the cancer may have spread. Irradiation may be externally( eg, X-rays) or from the inside( introduction of granules into the tumor).
• Speech therapy and other types of occupational therapy can be part of the treatment.
• A wide variety of plastic surgery techniques are available to restore facial bones and jaw functions.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Eliminate excessive drinking.
• Regular dental check and periodic self-examination of the mouth can help detect cancer in the early stages.
• Contact a therapist or dentist if you find any damage in the mouth that does not heal in two weeks or a month.