ORAL CANCER
Symptoms, Causes, Types, Complications & Prevention
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a disease in which cells in the mouth grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, and other areas of the mouth. Oral cancer is the 15th most common cancer worldwide and the 8th most common cancer among men.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
• The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:
• A sore in the mouth that does not heal
• A lump in the mouth
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Pain in the ear
• Change in voice
Causes of Oral Cancer
• The two main causes of oral cancer are tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Other risk factors for oral cancer include:
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Sun exposure to the lips
• Poor oral hygiene
• A weakened immune system
• Certain genetic conditions
Stages of Oral Cancer
• Oral cancer is staged according to how far the cancer has spread. The stages of oral cancer are:
• Stage 0: The cancer is only in the top layer of cells in the mouth.
• Stage 1: The cancer has spread to the deeper layers of cells in the mouth.
• Stage 2: The cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: The cancer has spread to other parts of the head and neck.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Complications of Oral Cancer
• The complications of oral cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the treatment received. Some possible complications include:
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Speech problems
• Facial disfigurement
• Bone loss
• Spread of the cancer to other parts of the body
• Death
Prevention of Oral Cancer
• There are a number of things you can do to help prevent oral cancer, including:
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
• Get vaccinated against HPV: The HPV vaccine can help protect you from developing certain types of HPV that can lead to oral cancer.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• See your dentist for regular checkups: Your dentist can look for early signs of oral cancer during your regular checkups.
Conclusion
Oral cancer is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that there are effective treatments available. If you have any concerns about oral cancer, talk to your doctor.
