Oral Cancer Symptoms and Causes

 

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissues of the mouth. It can occur on any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, and roof or floor of the mouth. Oral cancer may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the throat, jaw, and head and neck.

Mouth cancer is a general term used to describe a number of cancers that start in the region of the mouth. The most common type of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the mouth and lips. Other types of mouth cancer include:

- Adenocarcinoma

- Lymphoma

- Melanoma

- Sarcoma

Symptoms

The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. They may include:

- A sore or lesion in the mouth

- Red or white patches on the lips, tongue, gums, or inner cheeks

- Lump or thickening in the cheek

- Painless swelling on one side of the face

- Difficulty chewing or swallowing

- Ear pain

- Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness

- Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the spread of oral cancer.

 

Causes

The cause of most oral cancers is not known. However, there are some things that may increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer is most often caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption. However, it can also be caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other types of cancer.

Causes of mouth cancer are not fully understood, but include:

- Smoking

- Drinking alcohol

- Chewing tobacco

- Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation

- A poor diet

- HPV infection

- Having a family history of cancer

- Being over 50 years’ old

 

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, your dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Oral cancer can be a very serious disease and can often be cured if it is caught early. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of cancer, where it is located and how far it has spread.

If the cancer is caught early, it may be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. If cancer has spread, chemotherapy may be used. In some cases, dental implants may also be recommended to replace missing teeth or stabilize jaw function. Your dentist can provide more information about the specific treatment options available to you.

 

Prevention

To keep your mouth healthy and reduce your risk of oral cancer, you should:

- See a dentist for regular check-ups

- Keep your teeth and gums healthy

- Floss daily

- Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol

- Use sunscreen when outdoors

- Eat a healthy diet

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can have a negative impact on your quality of life if not treated early. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, and to see your dentist neutral bay for regular check-ups. If you notice any symptoms listed above, please book an appointment with us right away. We want to help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible.