Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide

Around 405,000 cases of oral cancer appear every year worldwide. It may hide in the shadows of the mouth, avoiding being caught. It should be chained early on before it gains ground.

Let us understand more about this condition and how to confront it.

Causes of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is seen more commonly among men around 50-60 years.

A range of habitual practices and environmental exposures play a significant role. They include-

1. Betel nut chewing and tobacco use in all forms, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
2. the devil’s grip tightens with alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use, intensifying the risk manifold.
3. Exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a risk factor.
4. Poor oral hygiene also contributes to conditions leading to oral cancer.
5. Dietary deficiencies provide a ground for various pre-cancerous conditions which may become oral cancer.
6. Patients with HIV – AIDS are more prone to have oral cancer.
7. Some genetic diseases like xeroderma pigmentosum, ataxia-telangiectasia, and Fanconi anemia are linked to higher incidence of oral cancer.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

In the early stages, oral cancer is a master of disguise, often exhibiting subtle symptoms easily overlooked. As it progresses, it raises its head and takes up different forms. Let us explore the different avatars of oral cancer-

1. Persistent mouth sores or an ulcer, especially which does not heal in 2-3 weeks must raise suspicion of oral cancer. It may be accompanied by loose teeth, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing or chewing, unexplained bleeding, numbness or pain in the mouth or lips, or an ill-fitting denture.
2. Any pigmented lesion – black, white, or red must be thoroughly inspected before giving a green signal.
3. Any wart-link or proliferative lesion must also raise eyebrows.
4. Sometimes, it may also present as a lump near an intact, infected, or impacted tooth.

Screening and diagnosis

Screening for oral cancer includes regular dental check-ups, as dentists meticulously examine the oral cavity, searching for any signs of malignancy. Specialized screening tests, including oral brush biopsies and fluorescence visualization, offer additional layers of vigilance, enabling early detection and intervention.

Diagnosis begins with a complete physical examination of the oral cavity, followed by rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to delineate the extent of the disease. However, tissue biopsy gives the final verdict. The pathologist scrutinizes cellular abnormalities under the microscope to expose the true nature of the malignancy.

Sell-Assessment for Oral Cancer

By empowering individuals to become vigilant, self-assessment for oral cancer takes center stage. Through simple yet effective techniques, individuals can look into the mirror and examine their oral cavity for any anomalies.

Regularly inspecting the lips, gums, tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth for changes in color, texture, or the presence of sores can serve as a crucial line of defense against oral cancer. Additionally, feeling the neck for any abnormal lumps or swelling complements this self-assessment, promoting a proactive stance against oral cancer.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

Surgery stands as the cornerstone, aiming to excise the malignant growth while preserving essential structures and functions.

Radiation therapy follows suit, targeting cancer cells with high-energy beams to arrest their proliferation.

Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy are other forms of treatment performed alone or in combination depending on the well-being of the patient and the extent of the cancerous lesion.

Through heightened awareness, early detection, and timely intervention, the grip of oral cancer can be weakened, if not entirely banished. But together, armed with knowledge, let us remain vigilant and confront the menace of oral cancer head-on to pave a path to a healthier future.

References

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2. WongT, Wiesenfeld D. Oral Cancer. Aust Dent J. 2018 Mar;63 Suppl 1:Ss91-S99. doi: 10.111l/adj.12594. PMID: 29574808.
3. Paré A, Joly A. Cancers de la cavité buccale : facteurs de risque et prise en charge [Oral cancer: Risk factors and management), Presse Med. 2017 Mar;46(3):320-330. French. doi: 10.1016/j!lpm.2017.01.004. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28233703.