Mouth/ Oral Cancer

Cancer affecting the oral cavity and areas inside the mouth is known as oral cancer. It can occur in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers originate in the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if the person is over forty years of age and is a habitual user of tobacco or alcohol. One can also be prone to oral cancer if one has a history of head or neck cancer.

Symptoms of mouth/oral cancer

The signs of oral cancer include tumors (abnormal growths that swell and are visible) that occur in the lip, the floor of the mouth, the front part of the tongue, the gums, the roof of the mouth or the lining of the cheeks. If one notices red or white lesions that do not heal in two weeks or if there is a feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty in chewing or swallowing or swelling of the jaw, it is better to get oneself screened for oral cancer.

Risk factors

The main risk factor for oral cancer is the use of tobacco and alcohol. Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol is the most important preventive action against mouth and throat cancers. A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables has been shown to offer some protection against oral cancer.

Treatment: General treatment options are surgery and radiation. In some cases, chemotherapy may also be used. The decision for the kind of treatment to be adopted depends on the afflicted part, the type of cancer and its stage of progression.
More Info