Oral Cancer

• Oral Cancer is a serious disease affecting the mouth and throat, often linked to lifestyle factors.
• Early recognition of oral cancer symptoms and signs, such as persistent sores or lumps, is vital for timely diagnosis.
• Major causes of oral cancer include tobacco, excessive alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Oral cancer treatment options typically involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often in combination.
• Regular dental check-ups are critical for early detection and prevention.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral Cancer refers to any cancerous growth located within the oral cavity. This encompasses cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, and parts of the throat (pharynx). It is predominantly squamous cell carcinoma, originating in the flat cells lining these areas. According to the American Cancer Society, over 54,000 new cases of oral or oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment effectiveness and survival rates, making awareness of its signs and risk factors paramount.

Recognizing Oral Cancer: Causes and Signs

Understanding the causes of oral cancer is essential for prevention. Primary risk factors are largely preventable, including tobacco use in any form (cigarettes, chewing tobacco), heavy alcohol consumption, and the combined use of both. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16, is an increasingly recognized cause, especially for oropharyngeal cancers. Other factors can include prolonged sun exposure to the lips and a weakened immune system.

Identifying oral cancer symptoms and signs early can significantly improve prognosis. Many initial symptoms are subtle, often mimicking less serious conditions, underscoring the importance of regular dental examinations. Any persistent changes in the mouth that do not resolve within two weeks warrant medical evaluation. Common signs include:

• A persistent sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
• White or reddish patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw.
• Numbness in any area of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.

Oral Cancer Treatment Options

The choice of oral cancer treatment options depends on the cancer’s location, stage, type, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment plans are often multidisciplinary, involving specialists such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The main modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination.

Surgery is frequently the initial treatment, aiming to remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue. For advanced cancers, reconstructive surgery may be necessary. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, often employed after surgery to eliminate residual cells or as a primary treatment. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, typically used with radiation for advanced stages or to treat metastatic cancer. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer approaches, offering personalized strategies by focusing on specific cancer pathways or boosting the body’s immune response.