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Oral cancer Causes and Risks:
Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, or in the salivary glands, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers are squamous cell ("scale-like" cell type) carcinomas , which are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.
The exact cause is unknown. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with most cases of oral cancer. Smoke and heat from cigarettes , cigars , and pipes, irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes. Heavy alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer. Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (for example from rough teeth, dentures, fillings, and so on). Many oral cancers begin as leukoplakia or mouth ulcers . Oral cancer accounts for about 8% of all malignant growths. Men are affected twice as often as women, particularly men over 40 years old.
Prevention:
Minimize or avoid smoking or other tobacco use . Minimize or avoid alcohol use . Practice good oral hygiene . Have dental problems corrected. Have the soft tissue of the mouth examined periodically. Many oral cancers are discovered by routine dental examination.
Symptoms:
- skin lesion /lump/ ulcer
- on the tongue, lip, or other mouth area
- usually small
- most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored
- may be a deep, hard edged crack in the tissue
- usually painless initially
- may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows a visible and/or palpable lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area. As the tumor enlarges, it may ulcerate and bleed. Speech difficulties , chewing problems, or swallowing difficulties may develop, particularly if the cancer is on the tongue.
A tongue biopsy , gum biopsy and microscopic examination of the lesion confirms the diagnosis of oral cancer.
Treatment:
Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended. Radiation therapy may be advised. Rehabilitation may include speech therapy or other therapy to improve movement, chewing, swallowing, and speech.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group .
Prognosis:
Approximately 50% of people with oral cancer will live for longer than 5 years. If the cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other tissues, the cure rate is nearly 75%. Unfortunately, over 50% of oral cancers are advanced at the time the cancer is detected. Most have spread to the throat or neck. Approximately 25% of people die from oral cancer because of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
This disorder may be discovered when the dentist performs a routine cleaning and examination.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a lesion of the mouth or lip is present and does not clear within 1 month. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer greatly increases the chances of survival.
Picture:
P0627.pctThroat anatomy
A cross-section illustration of the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat. The nasal passages are also visible.
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