Have you heard about mouth cancer before? Although it is unknown to some, it is very common and it is considered a type of cancerous tumor also known as oral cavity cancer, as it can affect any part of it such as the lips, gums, tongue, inner part of the cheeks and even the roof of the mouth, as it can also spread to the tonsils and throat, as it is considered life-threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated early, however, the chances of treating and curing it remain great and in this article, we will provide more information about this dangerous disease.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
Sometimes ulcers appear in the mouth or lips that do not heal.
These ulcers may be white, red, or speckled, and may appear inside the mouth.
These ulcers can be accompanied by loose teeth for no apparent reason.
A lump or bump may appear in the mouth, and this tumor may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Persistent pain in any part of the mouth could be an indication that something serious is going on.
Unexplained bleeding in the mouth may occur.
The red and white spots may be due to a fungal infection known as thrush, but if these symptoms persist for a long time without improvement, you may need medical advice.
It is very important to consult a doctor if any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, as they could be an indication of a serious health condition.
Causes of mouth cancer
Smoking or chewing tobacco, as smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
Drink alcohol a lot.
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Excessive sun exposure of the lips, especially at a young age.
Weak immune system.
Severe malnutrition.
Failure to adhere to good oral hygiene and avoid gum disease.
Methods of treating oral cancer
There are many ways to treat oral cancer, the most prominent of which are:
Surgical methods
Surgical oral cancer treatment procedures include:
Tumor removal procedure: The doctor removes the tumor and surrounding tissue to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed, as this can be a simple surgery to remove small tumors, but larger tumors may require more complex surgical procedures, such as removing part of the jawbone or tongue in cases of larger tumors.
Procedure to remove cancer in the neck: If cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or if there is a risk of them spreading, treatment may include removing the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck.
Oral reconstruction procedure: After removing the cancer, the doctor may resort to oral reconstruction surgery to restore the damaged parts and restore the ability to speak and eat normally.
Radiotherapy
The next step in oral cancer treatment is to use high beams of X-rays or other beams to get rid of cancer cells and this treatment is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells, but in some cases it can be used as a stand-alone treatment in the early stages of oral cancer.
Drug treatment
Targeted medications for oral cancer deal with the problem by modifying factors that stimulate the growth of cancer cells, thereby precisely targeting the cancer without harming nearby healthy tissue. These medications may be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation.
How to prevent mouth cancer
Change lifestyle by abstaining from smoking and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed.
Organizing a balanced and healthy diet.
Limit exposure to direct sunlight and use lip balm containing sunscreen agents.
Conduct routine oral examinations, especially if there is a family history of oral cancer or risk factors such as smoking or infection with the papilloma virus.
Self-examine the mouth using a mirror and with the help of strong lighting to check its condition as much as possible.
Receive a vaccine against human papillomavirus.
Besides physical problems, oral cancer can lead to significant psychological effects such as depression, especially if the patient’s condition requires parts of the mouth to be removed, the way they speak changes, or it becomes difficult to eat.
How long does a person with mouth cancer live?
According to data from the National Cancer Institute, five-year survival rates after being diagnosed with oral cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer, as statistics indicate a survival rate of up to 83% for cases that have not spread (localized cancer), while it is 64% for cases that have spread to nearby lymph nodes, and 38% for cases that have spread to other parts of the body and on average, about 60% of people with oral cancer live five or more years after diagnosis, and the chances of survival after treatment appear to increase with an early-stage cancer diagnosis.
In conclusion, oral cancer appears as a physical and psychological challenge that requires prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment and thanks to advances in medicine and science, the chances of survival for oral cancer patients increase with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and awareness of risk factors and taking care of your oral health play a crucial role in preventing this serious disease.
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