Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue or lips grow uncontrollably. Often, oropharyngeal cancer — which affects the soft palate, the sides and back of the throat, and the back third of the tongue and tonsils — also lumps under this term.
Tobacco and alcohol use are major risk factors for the disease, but there are others, including infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common symptoms of oral cancer are non-healing ulcers or persistent mouth pain. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the location and spread of the cancer, treatment varies, but it generally entails surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
The vast majority of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells that line the mouth and throat. Less commonly, non-squamous oral cancers such as salivary gland tumors or lymphomas may develop.
Oral cancer symptoms
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptoms of oral cancer include stomatitis that does not heal or mouth or throat pain that does not go away.
Other possible symptoms of oral cancer include
A white spot (called leukoplakia) or a red spot (called erythropoiesis) inside the mouth
An incurable crust on the lip or a mouth ulcer
Bleeding from the mouth unrelated to an injury
Pain and/or difficulty chewing
Swollen glands (lymph nodes) or a lump in the neck
Jaw pain or swelling
Difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the tongue or jaw
Numbness of the tongue or mouth area
Teeth loosening or dentures
Persistent bad breath
the reasons
While the exact cause of oral cancer is not clear, there are factors that have been consistently found to increase a person''s risk of developing it.
Tobacco use is perhaps the most important risk factor for oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes increases the risk of developing cancer anywhere in the mouth or throat. Furthermore, smokeless or oral tobacco products often called “dip” or “chewed” increase the risk of cancer of the cheeks, gums and the inner part of the lips.
Other risk factors associated with developing oral cancer include
Heavy alcohol consumption: The risk increases dramatically when a person smokes and drinks a lot.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV type 16, which is sexually transmitted. Note that it is rarely associated with oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer (occurs in the tonsils, base of the tongue, etc.) is the type of cancer most commonly associated with HPV infection.
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
Excessive sun exposure (increases the risk of lip cancer)
Weak immune system
Having some underlying health problems such as graft-versus-host disease or a genetic syndrome such as Fanconi anemia
Chew versus betel, a stimulant drug taken like chewing tobacco and often mixed with tobacco
Oral cancer is more common in men, possibly because men are more likely to use tobacco and alcohol than women.
Oral cancer is also more common in adults over the age of 55, although this is changing as the number of cancers associated with HPV infection increases.
diagnosis
Oral cancer diagnosis is a step-by-step approach that often begins with your primary care doctor or dentist seeing an abnormality in your mouth or throat after a physical exam. In this case, or if you have one or more suspicious symptoms of oral cancer, your health care professional will refer you to someone who specializes in diseases of the mouth and throat, called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
