Grab Dream Dental Smile RSS FeedOral cancer or medically known as oral cavity cancer, is any type of cancerous tissue development which is located in the oral cavity. It can originate in any tissues of the tongue and mouth which could be of any histolgic type (tumor) - teratoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or any other lymphoid tissue. Below are a few symptoms of oral cancer that you should be aware of:
Almost 90% of oral cancer cases are carcinomas, originating mostly in the mouth and lips. These Squamous carcinomas are malignant tumors which spreads rapidly within nasal cavity, sinus and to the head and neck. The mortality rate for oral cancer is 35%. The reason why there is a low mortality rate for this type of cancer is that because most cases are not detected early. Prevention is the key to avoid this dreaded disease. Below are some known risk factors:
- Red and white patches inside the mouth and lips
- Sore lip
- Mouth bleeding
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Difficulty wearing dentures
- Neck lump
- Pain in the ears
1. History of neck and head cancer
People who have had a experienced neck and head cancer are much prone in developing another cancer type or ordinary disease located in the head and neck.
2. Tobacco
Smoking is the number one cause for oral cancer. Any type of tobacco products like cigarette, pipes and cigars all can cause cancer. People who are heavy smokers are at higher risk for this disease.
3. AlcoholMost importantly we have a machine called the Velscope that can detect a cancer below the surface up to 5 years before it becomes visibly noticeable. This can save a person from having major reconstructive surgery which will alter their face (like the recent case of Robert Ebert from Siskel and Ebert movie critics). He lost his whole lower face and can't speak. The Velscope can help in catching cancer early and preventing these situations.
Alcohol contributes highly to this type of cancer especially if the patient is a smoker or using any type of tobacco. Alcohol abuse can fasten the development of cancer by three folds than those people who don't drink.
Oral cancer is a silent type of cancer disease which is deadly and life threatening. The only solution is to avoid this risk factors at all cost. The most known factor is tobacco so better cease smoking from now on to prevent any diseases such as this. Prevention is better than cure, take note of that! Contact us today if you or a loved one has any of the symptoms listed above. Also its best that when you schedule your next appointment that you talk with your dentist about oral cancer and more prevention methods.
