Overview of the oral cancer
The cancer that originates in the oral cavity (mouth) or any part of the oropharynx is called oral cancer. Oropharynx is the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. The oral cavity and oropharynx consists of the following parts:
Lips
Lining of cheeks
Salivary glands (glands that make saliva)
Roof of your mouth (hard palate)
Back of your mouth (soft palate and uvula)
Floor of your mouth (area under the tongue)
Gums and teeth
Tongue
Tonsils
Oral cancer is part of a group of cancers called head and neck cancers. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Almost all oral cancers begin in the flat cells (squamous cells) that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and lips. These cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas.
The lymphatic system is the main transporter of the cancer cells throughout the body from the oral cavity and oropharynx. Cancer cells that enter the lymphatic system are carried along by lymph, a clear, watery fluid. The first invasion of oral cancer cells is in the lymph nodes in the neck.
Risk factors/causes of oral cancer
Though its impossible to pin point an exact cause of oral cancer but there are various factors that increase the chances of a person being susceptible to oral cancer. The following are risk factors for oral cancer:
Tobacco: Most of the cases of oral cancer are observed in people who are addicted to either tobacco or other substances having tobacco. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; using chewing tobacco; and dipping snuff are all linked to oral cancer. The use of other tobacco products (such as bidis and kreteks) may also increase the risk of oral cancer. If a person is a heavy or a chain smoker then chances of oral cancer becomes very high. If a person consumes both alcohol and tobacco the risk is even higher.
Alcohol: The alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person consumes.
Sun: Since lip is also a part of oropharynx and oral cavity, therefore lip cancer can also be considered as a type of oral cancer. This can occur due to exposure to sunlight. The risk of cancer of the lip increases if the person also smokes.
Symptoms of oral cancer
Since most of the cancers are hard to detect at early stage until a person undergoes a regular and routine check up. Some of the symptoms of oral cancer include:
Patches inside mouth
White patches on lips, a mixture of red and white, or red may also possibly be a symptom of oral cancer. White patches (leukoplakia) are the most common. White patches sometimes become malignant. Mixed red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia) are more likely than white patches to become malignant. Red patches (erythroplakia) are brightly colored, smooth areas that often become malignant.
A sore on your lip or in your mouth that won't heal
Bleeding in your mouth
Loose teeth
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Difficulty wearing dentures
A lump in your neck
An earache
The above mentioned symptoms should not be ignored and should be discussed with a doctor. Most often, these symptoms do not mean cancer. An infection or another problem can cause the same symptoms.
Diagnosis of oral cancer
A general check up by a doctor or a dentist may assist in diagnosing oral cancer. The doctor checks the mouth and the throat for red or white patches, lumps, swelling, or other problems. During this exam a doctor carefully examines the roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and insides of the cheeks and lips. The doctor or dentist also gently pulls out your tongue so it can be checked on the sides and underneath. Doctor also examines the floor of mouth and lymph nodes in neck to notice any lumps, swelling or red patches. Besides the general check up other tests may include:
Biopsy
Endoscopy: a thin lighted tube is inserted in the mouth to check the throat and mouth region.
Dental X-ray
Chest X-ray
MRI
CT/CAT scan
Treatment for oral cancer
Depending on the extent to which the cancer has spread, a doctor may decide to adopt a particular method or a combination of the followingmethods:
SurgeryIf there are tumors in the mouth then a surgeon removes the tumor in the mouth or throat. If required the surgeon may also remove lymph nodes in the neck region and other tissues in the mouth and neck area. Patients may have surgery alone or in combination with radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
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