Oral Cancer: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects nearly half a million people around the globe each year, with 54,000 of those being in the US. It can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inside the cheeks, and on the roof of the mouth. Oral cancer is a severe disease, and early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. This article will discuss the risks factors for oral cancer, symptoms to look out for, and ways to prevent it.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on its location. However, common symptoms include:

• A sore or irritation that does not go away: This is often the first symptom of oral cancer. The sore may be a lump, an ulcer, or a white or red patch on the mouth’s gums, tongue, or lining.
• Bleeding: A cancerous sore in the mouth may bleed easily.
• A lump in the mouth: This may be felt with the tongue or seen as a growth in the throat.
• Change in voice: Oral cancer can cause changes in voice, such as hoarseness or a raspy feeling.
• Difficulty swallowing: Cancerous tumors can obstruct the back of the mouth and make swallowing difficult.
• Ear pain: Oral cancer can cause referred pain to the ear.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain risk factors increase your chances of developing the disease. These include:

• Tobacco use: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per day increases your risk of developing oral cancer.
• Ultraviolet light exposure: Spending time in tanning beds or having excess sun exposure without proper protection increases your risk of developing skin cancers, spreading to the mouth.
• Poor nutrition: A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
• Family history: Depending on your family history, you may be at an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a virus that is sexually transmitted. An increased risk of developing oral cancer is associated with this virus.
• Age: The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age.
• Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer.

If you have any of these risk factors, it is essential to talk to your doctor about your risks and what you can do to prevent the disease from occurring.

What Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?

The outlook and survival rate for people with oral cancer depend on several factors, including the cancer stage, the location of cancer, and the person’s overall health. Treatment for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, and patients may need a combination of treatments in some cases.

With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with oral cancer can be successfully treated and live everyday, healthy lives.

Oral Cancer Stages

The stage of oral cancer is a way to describe how far cancer has spread. The stage of oral cancer is determined by:

• The size of the tumor
• Whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body

There are four main stages of oral cancer:

• Stage I: The cancer is small (less than 2 cm) and has not spread.
• Stage II: The cancer is more significant (2 - 4 cm) and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer is even more significant (>4cm) and may have spread to other body parts.
• Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized, spreading to other parts of the body.

The stage of oral cancer helps doctors determine the best course of treatment. The earlier one detects cancer, the better the outlook.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

A cancer diagnosis can be performed through a biopsy. This is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the mouth and examined under a microscope. A dentist or doctor can perform the biopsy.

Types of Oral Cancer

The most common form of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the flat cells that line the inside of the mouth. Squamous cell carcinomas make up about 95% of all oral cancers. Other cancer types include:

• Verrucous carcinoma: This is a slow-growing type of squamous cell carcinoma.
• Minor salivary gland carcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the cells of the salivary glands.
• Lymphoma: This is a type of head and neck cancer that can begin in the lymph nodes.

How Is Oral Cancer Treated?

Treatment options for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments is used. The type of cancer care used depends on the stage and location of the cancer.

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for oral cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
• Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy is a type of chemotherapy that uses drugs to target specific cancer cells.

Potential Side Effects of Oral Cancer Treatment

Due to its intensive effects on your immune system, treatment for oral cancer can cause side effects. The most common side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Dry mouth
• Hair loss

The side effects of surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Potential side effects of surgery include:

• Pain and swelling at the surgical site
• Numbness in the face or jaw
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Changes in appearance, such as scarring

What Should You Expect After Treatment is Complete?

After treatment is complete, you will be closely monitored for any signs of cancer returning. You will also need to regularly see your dentist or doctor for follow-up appointments.

It is essential to take care of your mouth and teeth after treatment for oral cancer, and this can help prevent problems such as infection and tooth decay. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

You may also experience long-term side effects from treatment, such as dry mouth, difficulty speaking or swallowing, changes in appearance, and fatigue. These side effects can be managed with treatments or lifestyle changes.

Is There a Chance Your Cancer Could Come Back?

The chance that your cancer will come back (recurrence) after treatment depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and the treatment used. In general, recurrence is higher for more aggressive cancers that are harder to treat.

The best way to reduce your risk of oral cancer is to regularly practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist or doctor for checkups. You should also quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

What Can You Do to Prevent Oral Cancer?

There are several things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.

• Don’t use tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco all increase your risk of developing oral cancer. If you currently use tobacco products, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per day increases your risk of developing oral cancer. If you drink alcohol, it is essential to do so in moderation.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits and vegetables may help protect against oral cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which can help repair cell damage caused by cancer-causing agents.
• Regularly visit the dentist: Dental checkups can help detect oral cancer early. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist.
• Self-assess your mouth monthly: Checking your mouth for changes is essential for oral cancer prevention. Use a mirror to look at all areas of your mouth, including your tongue, gums, and the inside of your cheeks. Look for any changes in color or texture.

Final Thoughts

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly. However, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by avoiding tobacco products, drinking alcohol in moderation, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. If you are concerned about your risk of developing oral cancer, talk to your doctor. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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