Early indications of oral cancer may be misdiagnosed as pain or a cold. If your symptoms last for several extended periods, visit your doctor right once so that they can recognize oral cancer as soon as possible.
Oral Cancer
Cancer can be defined as uncontrolled cell growth that enters and destroys healthy tissue. Oral cancer develops as an uncontrolled growth or sore in the mouth. The lips and tongue are the most often affected areas for oral cancer. It might also happen on the:
- the lining of the cheeks
- The mouth’s surface
- Gums (gingiva)
- The mouth’s covering (palate)
Symptoms:
Some of the most common oral cancer symptoms and signs are as follows:
- Unhealing mouth sores
- Frequent mouth soreness
- A hump
- Spots on gums, tongue, or inside on the mouth
- A persistent sore throat.
- Difficulties ingesting or chewing
- Soreness in mouth
- Pain due to the infected jaw
- poor fit of dentures
- Weakening of the teeth
- Tooth or mouth sores
- a rapid change in voice
- pain in neck
- Abnormal Weight Loss
- Persistent bad breath
- Ear pain
If any of these symptoms develop or linger for more than a week, see your doctor. Like any other cancer, oral cancer should be diagnosed as soon as possible, when more effective treatments may be available.
Causes:
Compared to women, men are more likely to catch this deadly disease, especially men who age above 50. Over 50,000 persons in the United States were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019, according to estimates.
Some of the factors associated with oral cancer development are as follows:
1. Smoking. It increases the risk of oral cancer by up to six times. No matter the type of cigarette or cigar, they are equally harmful.
2. Tobacco Consumers: Even if you aren’t smoking but consuming tobacco through a dip, snuff, or eating it through one means or another, it increases the chance of getting cancer up to 50%
3. Excessive alcohol consumption is the hallmark of alcoholism. Increases the risk of cancer up to 6%
4. A genetic susceptibility to cancer exists.
5. Prolonged sun exposure, especially in children under the age of five.
6. The human papillomavirus is a virus that causes cervical cancer in humans (HPV).
It’s worth mentioning that those who don’t smoke and only consume alcohol account for yet more than a quarter of all mouth cancer cases.
Other risk factors for mouth cancer involve:
- Long-term (chronic) rubbing, such as that caused by crooked teeth, dentures, or fillings
- Taking immunosuppressive medications
- Oral and dental hygiene deficiencies
- Some oral tumors start as white plaques (leukoplakia) or mouth ulcers.
Oral cancer strikes men twice as frequently as it strikes women. Men over the age of 40 are more prone to it.
What Is the Survival Rate?
According to a recent report, patients with early oral mucosa and throat cancer had an overall 5-year survival rate of 84 percent. When the illness spreads and starts affecting the surrounding healthier tissues and organs, the 5-year survival rate drops to 66%.
Oral Cancer stories symptoms
Amanda from Bolton was just 34 years old when she was diagnosed with oral cancer. She had an ulcer under her tongue. Amanda took many medications, but none worked for her until her doctor recommended her to go for a biopsy, where she was diagnosed positive. Her entire journey of treatment was challenging; however, she managed to survive. It took nearly six years for her to be treated entirely and become cancer-free.
Another cancer survivor, Eva Grayzel, was diagnosed with mouth cancer at the age of 33. She was 33 years old at that time. She explained, “I ate healthily, exercised regularly, and lacked any risk factors for oral cancer. I didn’t drink or smoke.”
Grayzel underwent a biopsy because she had a painful area on her tongue. “My initial biopsy was misinterpreted, and I went two years without any visible symptoms,” she explained. “When the sore over the biopsy site reappeared, I was bounced between dental specialists for nine months as the sore on my tongue became more apparent and uncomfortable.”
Grayzel had extensive neck incision surgery, partial tongue repair, and radiation treatment. She is still unable to feel the bottom half of her tongue.
What Is the Diagnosis of Oral Cancer?
As part of your routine dental checkup, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening test. Your dentist will particularly examine your neck, head, face, and oral cavity for lumps or abnormal tissue changes. Your dentist will examine your mouth for any sores or discolored tissue.
Many clinicians avoid brush biopsies. Doctors sometimes use lasers to conduct biopsies.
Treatment:
The treatment of oral cancer is similar to other types of cancer are. The treatment procedure normally starts from a surgery to remove the cancerous lump. It is then followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy (drug therapies) to eliminate any residual cancer cells.
Prevention
- Refrain from excessive smoking and consuming alcohol in large amounts.
- Consume a nutritious diet.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure. Repeated exposure raises the chance of developing lip cancer, particularly on the lower lip. Use sun clock on your skin and lips before going out in the sun.
You can play an active part in the early detection of oral cancer if you perform the following:
1. Conduct a self-exam at least once or twice per month.
2. Visit your dentist on a constant schedule.
Conclusion:
Cancel cells spread quickly. Early identification increases the likelihood of effective therapy. Oral cancer screening tests are recommended every three years for anyone above the age of 20. It is also advised, each year, for many over the age of 40. Request an oral exam at your next dental appointment At Lumina Dental or visit our website at https://luminadental.com/.