Let’s talk about Oral Cancer

Cancer is always a scary word, it is one of that horrible vamp of a typical television daily soap, who knows how to attack the right point at the right time. But luckily with the new advancements and technology associated with medical science these days we are able to have a control of life-threatening disease like cancer.

Equipped with good information and the best doctors, we feel empowered to fight against anything which comes and stand in front of us and our loved ones. But for this we need to know what cancer is. Cancer occurring in the tissues of oral cavity is termed as oral cancer and is accounting 30% of the total cancer in India.

Who all are at risk

In India most of the cases of oral cancer arise due to chewing of betel nut or tobacco. Chewing tobacco increases the changes of oral cancer by 25 times. Smoking is also a cause of oral cancer, every incident of oral cancer has some or other history of smoking associated with it.

If the person quits smoking, then the chances of getting oral cancer reduces by 50% at a stretch of 9 years. Reverse smoking is also a cause of oral cancer. Alcohol consumption along with smoking increases the chances of oral cancer. Sharp teeth and ill-fitting dentures are also the cause of oral cancer. People on immunosuppressant are more vulnerable to oral cancer. Exposure to sun can also lead to oral cancer. Many genetic predispositions can also cause oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Oral cancer is the most common type of oral cancer among the men of age 40 years. Unfortunately, it is detected at the later stage as compared to other type of cancer, because of which it is important to keep a regular check of your mouth and what is right and what is wrong for the body. Early symptoms are completely vague and non-specific which can also lead to some non-serious diseases.

Early the detection of the abnormal changes in the mouth, leads to better treatment of the same.

The most common symptoms of oral cancer are abnormal growth in mouth ulcer, which is practically painless. Loss of appetite, sore throat, bad breath is some of the common symptoms of oral cancer. Difficulty in swallowing, talking, and chewing are some of the symptoms of oral cancer. Loose teeth, lumps in throat, tongue pain and swelling in throat should be never overlooked and should be taken in immediate action if observed.

Diagnosis of oral cancer

Oral cancer can be detected by a dentist at an early stage with the help of regular screening. At the time of screening the patient should be present with complete patient history, indirect laryngoscopy can help in eradicating the secondary symptoms. CT scan and MRI help in detecting cancer of head and neck. PET Scan is also a way of diagnosing oral cancer. Treating oral cancer: It’s only the consultant or oncologist who can have a look inside your mouth and detect abnormal growth in mouth cells. Your oncologist can work on the best treatment plan among radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.

Prevention

Practicing good oral hygiene is a good start. You can prevent oral health with the help of lifestyle modifications. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, stop using tobacco and alcohol, maintain ideal body weight, avoid sun exposure. Give yourself a regular self-screening, by looking
back and forth in every part of the mouth, tongue and throat. In case you observe any lumps, patches and soreness in the throat consult your dentist as well as your doctor.

Don’t Forget To Screen