Oral cancer is one of the
most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival rates, with thousands
of new cases being reported
each year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever
cured.
Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop
complications—some of them chronic and painful—from their cancer
treatment. These include dry mouth and overly sensitive teeth, as well as
accelerated tooth decay.
If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other
facial and neck tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain.
Older adults over the age of 40 (especially men) are most
susceptible to developing oral cancer, but people of all ages are at risk.
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue
appears to be the most common location. Other oral structures could include the
lips, gums and other soft palate tissues in the mouth.
Warning
Signs
In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form
of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In
many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making
even self-diagnosis difficult.
Here are some additional warning signs:
- Hoarseness or
difficulty swallowing. - Unusual bleeding
or persistent sores in the mouth that won’t heal. - Lumps or growths
in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.
If a tumor is found, surgery will generally be required to
remove it. Some facial disfigurement could also result.
Prevention
Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the
biggest culprits is tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even
overexposure to the sun have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts
believe certain oral cancer risk factors are also hereditary.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses
against oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental
checkups, are highly recommended.