Oral cancer is a serious condition that can affect various parts of the mouth including the lips, tongue, throat and gums. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, causing over 12,250 deaths. It is important to be informed about this disease, its types, symptoms, risks, treatments and preventable measures. To help increase awareness and facilitate early detection, Dr. Plotka’s Mouth Watchers created this comprehensive guide about Oral Cancer.
Types of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a diverse term that encompasses various types of cancer, each dependent on the specific area of the oral cavity affected. Some of the most prevalent types of oral cancer include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of oral cancer and typically affects the lining of the mouth, tongue and lips.
- Verrucous carcinoma: This type of oral cancer is slow-growing, low grade cancer that often appears as white lesions in the mouth.
- Minor salivary gland carcinomas: Are cancers that form in the salivary glands located in the mouth.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of oral cancer for early detection, as this greatly improves the prognosis.
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent sore throat
- Changes in voice or speech
- Swelling in jaw or neck
- Numbness in the mouth or face
Treatments for Oral Cancer
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The type and stage of the cancer, along with the patient’s overall health, determine the treatment options available.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures are used to remove cancerous tissue based on location, size and extent of the cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Use of high energy rays to damage and kill cancer cells and shrink tumors in a localized area.
- Chemotherapy: Use of medication to destroy cancer cells. This can be given alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.*
- Targeted therapy: Drugs are administered to a patient to target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Uses medications to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It may be given to people with advanced oral cancers that are responding to standard therapies.*
Your health care provider will determine your treatment based on:
- Your age, overall health and medical history*
- Location, size and extent of the cancer*
- Your tolerance for specific medications and procedures*
- Expectations for the course of the disease*
- Your preference*
In addition to physical treatment, patients with oral cancer may also benefit from speech therapy, dietary changes, and emotional support to address the physical and emotional impact of the disease. It is essential for patients to have a robust support system comprising of healthcare professionals, family, and friends to navigate through this challenging period.
Risks & Preventative Measures
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 75% of Oral Cancer patients may engage in risks or have contributing factors to the development of Oral Cancer, such as:
- Tobacco & excessive alcohol use
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- This sexually transmitted infection has been linked to oral cancers (specifically the HPV 16 type)**
- Age
- The risk of oral cancers rises with age, with occurrences most common in individuals over 40, affecting “twice as many men as women” **
- Genetics:
- A family history of oral cancer can increase your risk
Preventative Measures
While not all cases of cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this devastating illness. Making simple adjustments to your daily routine could potentially save your life.
- Avoid all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarette smoking, as well as chewing tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption
- The combined use of tobacco and alcohol further increases the risk
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Practice good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing
- Visit your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings to detect early warning signs and symptoms
- Protect your lips from sun exposure by using lip balm with SPF
At Mouth Watchers, we are dedicated to promoting oral health and raising awareness about oral cancer. It is crucial to be aware of the risk factors & symptoms, to stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize oral health to reduce the risk of oral cancer and together, we can fight against this disease.
Empower Yourself: Understanding Oral Cancer Through Our Infographic
ENGAGE WITH DR. PLOTKA! If you have any questions about oral cancer, send them to us by September 15th, 2024. We will address them on our social media platform at the end of the month. Stay informed about your oral health with our expert insights. Your questions matter to us, and we are here to support you every step of the way.