A kind of cancer that affects the tissues of the mouth and throat is oral cancer. It makes up just approximately 3% of all malignancies diagnosed in the United States each year, making it a very uncommon form of the disease. Oral cancer is still a serious condition, though, and if it is not detected early and treated effectively, it can be fatal.
The good news is that oral cancer is one of the cancers that can be prevented the easiest. Additionally, oral cancer patients have a very high survival percentage when the disease is detected early.
Oral cancer and its risk factors have received more attention in recent years. This is partly because early detection and treatment have helped more and more people survive oral cancer.
Everything you need to know about oral cancer will be covered in this blog, including its signs, causes, and treatments.
Who is most susceptible to oral cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These elements consist of:
- Using tobacco in any way, including cigarettes, cigars, hookah, snuff, and smokeless tobacco.
- Abundant alcohol use (having more than 21 alcoholic beverages weekly).
- Age (those over 55 account for the majority of mouth cancer cases).
- Neglecting to brush, floss, and receive routine dental examinations.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially on the bottom lip.
- Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Exposure to insecticides and formaldehyde, among other pollutants.
- A history of oral cancer.
It is crucial to visit your dentist frequently for routine checkups if you are more likely to develop oral cancer. Your life can be saved with early detection and treatment.
What signs may indicate the presence of oral cancer?
Often, oral cancer can progress silently. It is crucial to visit your dentist often for screenings because of this. There is a chance that oral cancer will show signs like:
- Unhealing sores
- White or red areas on your tongue, inside of your cheek, or gums
- An oral cavity lump or enlarged patch of tissue;
- Pain or difficulty swallowing;
- Loose teeth;
- Jaw swelling; - Unexplained bleeding
- Any portion of the mouth losing sensation
- An unexplained change in voice
Get checked out by your dentist if you have any of these symptoms.
What is the treatment for oral cancer?
The individual, the cancer's severity, and their preferences all influence the sort of treatment for oral cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are frequently used as part of a multifaceted approach to treatment. The use of targeted therapy and tumor-shrinkage medications is also possible in some circumstances.
Surgical removal of tumors or malignant cells is one of the main therapies for mouth cancer. In order to eliminate malignant tissue, a treatment termed a glossectomy, for instance, involves removing all or part of the tongue. Lymph node removal is a possibility in other procedures.
Tumors can be reduced with chemotherapy and radiation treatment either before or after surgery. While chemotherapy slows cancer cell growth by attacking its DNA, radiation treatment shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells.
Targeted treatment is another option in some circumstances. Specific genes or proteins in cancer cells are the targets of this therapy, which may cause the cancer to stop spreading or contract. The body's own immune system can be aided in its battle against cancer by immunotherapy on occasion.
In order to fight the cancer and reduce side effects, many oral cancer patients undergo a combination of treatments. On which course of therapy is best for you, your doctor can provide you advice.
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Although oral cancer is a devastating illness, it is increasingly treatable if detected early. Early detection can be ensured by being aware of the warning signs and symptoms, and the development of the condition itself can be avoided by taking precautions against the risk factors.
Remembering people who are undergoing treatment and recovering is equally essential. A person with oral cancer can benefit much from your support, no matter how tiny, since it will boost their confidence and sense of support.
Always seek medical help if you or someone you know is exhibiting oral cancer symptoms. Successful outcomes can greatly benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. You may ensure your health and the best possible condition of your mouth with sound counsel, moderation, and preventive behaviors.