Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is an uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to the parts that make up the mouth, including the oropharyngeal cancers. Mouth cancer occurs when something goes wrong with the normal cell lifecycle, causing them to grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The tumor can develop in any part of the mouth, including the teeth, and it usually appears as a growth or sore in the mouth. Oral cancer can develop in the salivary glands, Inner lining of the cheeks, tonsils, pharynx (throat), floor of the mouth, surface of the tongue, lips, gums, and in the roof of the mouth. It is important to note that oral cancer can also be associated with tooth decay.
According to studies, researchers have shown that age is the most common risk factor for oral cancer, as historically it occurs in those over the age of 40. Oral cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated earlier. It’s a part of the group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers. In addition, men are more likely to have oral cancer than women, maybe due to the fact that men drink more alcohol than women. Tooth decay and gum disease can increase the risk of developing cancerous cells in the mouth.
Symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer is very dangerous, while still at its early stages, most patients may not notice it, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize. The high number of death associated with this cancer is not because that it is hard to diagnose, but due to the fact that the cancer is being routinely discovered late in its development. (1) Some oral cancers especially those that occur in the posterior part of the mouth does not produce visible lesions or discolorations that have historically been the early warning signs of the disease process.
Often, oropharyngeal cancers are only discovered when cancerous cells have spread to another location, typically the lymph nodes of the neck. However, here are the most common symptoms of oral cancer, including gum disease and throat issues.
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Formation of velvety white patches, also known as oral thrush, red patches, or cheek biting, or speckled patches (white and red) can be a sign of oral cavity cancer or oropharyngeal cancers.
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The growth of lump or bumps and thickening of the skin on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth can be indicative of oral cavity cancer or oropharyngeal cancers. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, especially if you are undergoing chemotherapy, as this can increase the risk of developing oral thrush.
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Difficult or painful swallowing, commonly associated with oropharyngeal cancers and mouth cancers, can cause persistent soreness or the sensation of something being caught in the back of the throat. Additionally, these symptoms may also be present in cases of oral cavity conditions such as oral thrush.
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Unexplained mouth ulcers or sores, swelling and bleeding in the mouth that can persist for upto 2 weeks without healing.
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Loose teeth, difficulty in chewing and moving the jaw or tongue.
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Dramatic weight loss
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Persistent ear, neck, and mouth pain can be indicative of oropharyngeal cancers in the oral cavity. It is important to seek treatment, such as radiotherapy, for these conditions.
Risk factors
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 48,330 Americans were expected to receive a diagnosis of oral oropharyngeal cancers in 2016, and about 9,570 deaths were predicted. Some of the factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include radiotherapy treatment.
1. Age. Age is frequently named as a risk factor for oral cancer, it mostly occur in those over the age of 40. Men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over the age 50 face the greatest risk.
2. Smoking. Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, are significant risk factors for oral cancer.
3. Excessive consumption of alcohol. Heavy alcohol drinkers are about six times more likely to have mouth cancer than nondrinkers. When you combine tobacco with heavy use of alcohol, your risk is significantly increased. Those who both smoke and drink, have a fifteen times greater risk of developing oral cancer than those who do not smoke and drink.
4. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Those suffering from sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) are at higher risk of developing oral cancer.
5. Exposure to certain chemicals. Excessive exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, sulfuric acid, and formaldehyde can increase your risk especially at a young age.
6. Excessive sun exposure to your lips
7.Family history of cancer.
8. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a digestive condition where acid from the stomach leaks back up to the gullet into the mouth frequently.
9. Prior radiation treatment, or radiotherapy, in the head, neck, or both can increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, mouth cancer, or cancer in the oral cavity.
10. Weakened immune system.
Finally, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer. Persistent viral infections such as HPV also contribute to the development of this type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, at least 75% of those diagnosed at 50 and older with oropharyngeal cancer have a history of tobacco and alcohol use. However, the remaining 25% of cases occur in people who do not smoke and only occasionally drink alcohol. The exact percentages of these cases are still being determined and will be published in the future.
How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed
At home you can conduct a self exam using a bright touch light and mirror. Look and feel for lumps in your oropharyngeal cavity, including on your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and on surfaces to your mouth. Check your throat too and feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. If you noticed any abnormal changes or signs of oral cancer you should see your doctor or dentist immediately.
To conduct a diagnosis for oral cancer, your doctor or dentist will need to carry out some necessary oropharyngeal cancer screening examinations. At first, the dentist will check for any signs and symptoms associated with oral cancer in the oropharyngeal cavity. He will check for any lumps, tissue discoloration, sores, patch on the inside of your mouth, and other abnormal tissue changes.
A biopsy may be needed to determine the makeup of a suspicious looking area in the oral cavity or oropharyngeal. During biopsy, a small sample of affected tissue is taken and checked for cancerous cells using X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
According to Medicalnewstoday, A person who is diagnosed with stage 1 oral or pharyngeal cancer has an 83 percent chance of surviving for longer than 5 years. Around 31 percent of cases are diagnosed at this stage. For those whose cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the chance of surviving more than 5 years is 38 percent.
How To Prevent Oral Cancer
1. See your dentist regularly. It’s important to always go for regular dental check-ups, because dentists can often spot the early stages of mouth cancer.
2. Stop smoking and tobacco use. Chewing, smoking and other uses of tobacco exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
3. Always eat well balanced diet. Avoid junk foods, saturated fats, and processed meats. Eat those healthy foods that help to boost the immune system and overall body well-being.
4. Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips. Constant exposure of your lips to sun increases the risk of cancer on the lip. Ensure to stay in the shade when possible. If you must stay under the sun, try as much as possible to protect the skin on your lips by wearing broad-brimmed hat that will shades your entire face. You can apply UV-A/B-blocking sun protective lotions or use sunscreen on your lips.
5. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Chronic consumption of alcohol interferes with the health and normal functioning of the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to oral cancer. If you must drink alcohol, keep to the recommended weekly limits for alcohol consumption.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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