Cancer is one of the increasingly serious and life-threatening diseases globally. Every year millions of people die due to different types of cancer. Oral cancer is also such a rapidly increasing risk. About 77,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported in India every year and 52,000 people die due to this cancer. Health experts say that if the symptoms of this serious disease are detected in people in time and treatment is started, then the chances of survival can increase. There can be many reasons for oral cancer, knowing about which all people should keep taking continuous measures to prevent them.
Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth (oral cavity). Mouth cancer can occur on the:
Lips
Gums
Tongue
Inner lining of the cheeks
Roof of the mouth
Floor of the mouth (under the tongue)
Cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer.
Mouth cancer is one of several types of cancers grouped in a category called head and neck cancers. Mouth cancer and other head and neck cancers are often treated similarly
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:
A lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal
A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
Loose teeth
A growth or lump inside your mouth
Mouth pain
Ear pain
Difficult or painful swallowing
The problem of frequent bad breath from the mouth.
Causes
Mouth cancers form when cells on the lips or in the mouth develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The mutations changes tell the cells to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells would die. The accumulating abnormal mouth cancer cells can form a tumor. With time they may spread inside the mouth and on to other areas of the head and neck or other parts of the body.
Mouth cancers most commonly begin in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line your lips and the inside of your mouth. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
It's not clear what causes the mutations in squamous cells that lead to mouth cancer. But doctors have identified factors that may increase the risk of mouth cancer.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include:
Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
Heavy alcohol use
Excessive sun exposure to your lips
A sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
A weakened immune system
Oral cancer treatment and prevention Treatment for oral cancer
depends on the location and stage of the cancer as well as your overall health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Doctors say, by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, the risk of this type of cancer can be reduced to a great extent. Also, avoid being in strong sunlight for a long time. If you are seeing some unusual wound inside the mouth which is not getting better, then definitely consult a specialist about this in time.
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