Oral Cancer
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding oral cancer.
What is oral cancer?
It is a tumor that grows in a part of the mouth. It may appear on the surface of the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth (palate), lips, or gums. Tumors can also be present in the salivary glands and tonsils at the back of the mouth.
- What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
- A sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in the mouth, lips, or throat.
- A white or red patch in the mouth.
- A sore throat or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue.
- Swelling in the jaw.
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth.
Ear pain.
- What are the causes of oral cancer?
- Smoking and alcohol consumption, as smoking cigarettes and tobacco products and consuming alcohol, increase the risk of oral cancer.
- Using some smokeless tobacco products, such as chew or what is known in some areas as snuff or snus.
- Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through sexual contact.
Advanced age, as the risk of developing oral cancer increases in individuals over 40 years old.
- What are the:diagnostic methods?
- The doctor will take the patient’s medical history and perform a clinical examination. They may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Endoscopy, using a flexible tube to examine the nose, sinuses, larynx, and pharynx (throat)..
- Biopsy, by taking a sample of the tumor to confirm whether the cells are cancerous. (CT scan).
- X-rays.PET).
- Computed tomography (CT scan). (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- What are the treatments for oral cancer?
- Treatment involves several procedures, as needed, and may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment for: oral cancers to remove the tumor.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
Chemotherapy: It is a cancer treatment using drugs that stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing them or preventing them from dividing and spreading.
- What are the waysto prevent oral cancer?
- Oral cancer can be prevented by following some of the guidelines below:
- Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products. For more details, here’s a guide to quitting smoking.
- Quitting alcohol consumption.
- Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Following a healthy diet.
Regular dental check-ups.
- What are the complications of oral cancer?
- Having oral cancer and undergoing treatment for it can lead to several effects, such as:
- Changes in the shape and appearance of the mouth.
- Problems with speaking and swallowing.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Effects on mental health, such as depression.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any symptoms of oral cancer for more than two weeks, you should see a dentist or general practitioner.
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