- What is oral cavity cancer?
- Causes of oral cavity cancer
The primary cause of oral cancer is the consumption of alcohol and tobacco use. Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene and recurrent injuries to the tongue due to ill-fitting dentures or existing dental issues.
Approximately 90% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer are smokers. The longer the duration of smoking and the greater the quantity smoked, the higher the risk. Additionally, vitamin deficiencies, poor oral hygiene, and persistent mucosal trauma from sharp teeth or dentures also contribute to the risk of developing cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption and significant sun exposure can further increase the likelihood of oral cancer.
Individuals with oral cancer are also at a higher risk of developing cancers of the larynx (the voice box), esophagus, and lungs. About 15% of those diagnosed with oral cancer have at least one of these other cancers at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, 10% to 40% of patients may develop new cancers, including those mentioned or other oral cancers, later on.
- Symptoms if you have oral cancer
Here are the common symptoms of oral cancer:
- Persistent mouth pain (most common symptom)
- Non-healing mouth ulcers (second most common symptom)
- Continuous color changes in the tissues of the mouth
- Sensation of a lump in the mouth or thickening of the cheeks
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
- Loose teeth
- Unusual sensations on the tongue or in parts of the mouth
- Pain around the teeth or jaw
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling in the jaw, loose or uncomfortable dentures
- Noticeable lump in the neck
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer
Oral cancer is initially diagnosed by performing a biopsy of a tumor or ulcer in the oral cavity. Imaging techniques such as CT and MRI of the mouth and throat are used to determine the extent of the cancer. CT scans help assess involvement with the jawbone, while MRI evaluates soft tissue that may not be visible on CT. PET scans are used to check for metastasis beyond the oral cavity and throat, and bone scans help detect bone metastasis.
After diagnosing oral cancer, the stage of the disease is classified based on its progression. Stage 0 or Stage 1 indicates that the tumor is limited to the surface, while Stage 3 or Stage 4 indicates deeper invasion into surrounding tissues. Treatment options vary based on the tumor’s location and stage, with the main methods being surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The primary treatment for oral cancer is surgery. The extent and approach to surgery depend on the tumor’s stage and progression. Different treatment options may include direct surgery within the oral cavity, surgery from the neck, or lower jaw surgery. If there is lymph node metastasis or if the tumor does not respond and progresses after surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be employed to prevent recurrence.
Surgery
The most important treatment method for oral cancer is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues that the tumor has invaded. In most cases, the tumor is excised directly through the mouth, but there are instances where access is gained through the neck or jaw. If cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a lymph node dissection is performed to remove the affected lymph nodes and cancer cells.
Even if there is no metastasis in the neck area, cervical lymphadenectomy may still be performed to eliminate the potential for future metastasis. After the tumor is removed, any defects from the excision will be reconstructed appropriately through reconstructive surgery. This reconstructive surgery can be performed using tissue from the arm, leg, or chest.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is sometimes used to eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery, especially to reduce the risk of recurrence when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or is at stage 3 or higher. In cases where the tumor is difficult to treat, radiation can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.
Before undergoing radiation therapy, any dental issues, such as cavities, must be addressed, and the surgical site should be fully healed. While radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands and lead to permanent dry mouth, recent advancements in targeted radiation techniques have increased the chances of preserving normal salivary gland function.
Valence
- Monitoring and Notes on oral cancer
Oral cancer has a better prognosis when diagnosed early. For early-stage cancer, more than 90% of patients can survive more than five years after diagnosis. Patients in stages 2 or 3 have about a 50% chance of complete recovery and surviving beyond five years. However, even if a small tumor is completely treated, there is still a risk of recurrence with another oral cancer or head and neck cancer, necessitating long-term monitoring.
The greatest risk factors for oral cancer are the combination of alcohol consumption and smoking. If you currently smoke or have smoked, it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms and to see a doctor for annual check-ups to detect any abnormalities in the mouth early.
Lip cancer is often caused by exposure to sunlight. If your job requires you to be in the sun frequently, you should avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours and use sun protection measures like hats, sunscreen, and lip balm to safeguard against UV exposure.
Follow LIVE AGAIN to read more about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, …. Connect LIVE AGAIN to get advice on remote medical examination and treatment in Korea ~
