Oral cancer is a type of throat and head cancer, and is usually treated as such. It occurs most often after age 40, and men are more likely to develop it than women. In India, 77,003 new cases of oral cancer have been recorded this year, and 52,067 people have died. Oral cancer is detected when it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck; if caught early, the risk to life is low

Types of mouth cancer (oral cancer)

Lip, tongue, inner cheek, gum, and mouth cancer. You should see your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of oral cancer. Dentists recommend that your dentist examine your mouth at least twice a year. Learn about the symptoms, risks, and stages. You can also consult Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, an oral cancer specialist.

Symptoms of mouth cancer (oral cancer):-

In the early stages of oral cancer, it is not detected and there are no symptoms, but people who smoke or drink alcohol daily should have their mouths checked by their dentist from time to time.

The main symptoms of mouth cancer (oral cancer) are the following:

A blister that doesn't heal on the lips or in the mouth, swelling of the mouth, bleeding from the mouth, a loose tooth, mouth pain or difficulty swallowing, a sudden lump in the neck, ear pain, sudden weight loss, numbness of the lips, face, neck, or chin, red and white patches in the mouth or on the lips, a sore throat, dry mouth, jaw pain or stiffness, or tongue pain. While having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have oral cancer, it's important to see your dentist and continue with regular checkups after your visit. Some of these symptoms, such as a sore throat or earache, can also indicate other conditions. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they don't go away after the first treatment or if you experience more than one symptom at a time, don't ignore them. See your dentist or doctor as soon as possible and get the appropriate treatment.

Causes of mouth cancer (oral cancer): Smoking: Smoking is the most common cause of mouth cancer, and people who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes have the greatest risk of developing it.

Tobacco use: If tobacco is used in any form, it can become one of the main causes of oral cancer.

Excessive alcohol consumption.

stages of oral cancer

The stages of oral cancer progress as follows:

Stage 1: At this stage, the tumor measures less than 1 inch and has not reached nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 2: The tumor grows to 1 to 2 inches and has not reached nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3: At this stage, the tumor grows to approximately 2 inches, but it still does not spread; it does not grow more than 1 inch, but it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4: At this stage, the cancer has spread to the mouth and affects the tissues around the mouth, lips, and possibly nearby lymph nodes; or it has spread to the rest of the body.

The stages of cancer indicate how it can be treated and what the chances are of curing it.

Oral cancer treatment: Some common treatments for oral cancer are as follows:

Surgery: In this procedure, an operation is performed to remove the tumor from the entire mouth. A small incision is made in the neck or jaw to facilitate tumor removal. After surgical removal, the affected area of ​​the mouth is reconstructed. In these cases, surgeons may perform reconstruction using a pedicled or free flap.

Read more about robotic surgery

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation to treat the area of ​​the mouth where the cancer has spread and the surrounding healthy tissue. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy are the two most common radiation therapies used to treat oral cancer.

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Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation therapy, is used to destroy cancer cells throughout the body using anticancer drugs. Cancer cells are destroyed at different stages by combining different chemotherapy drugs

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Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy directly attacks cancer cells to eliminate them at their root and prevents their growth. This therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy.

Some important facts about oral cancer: – Around 80% of oral cancer cases are due solely to tobacco use.

The average age for developing oral cancer is 50 years.

Oral cancer rates in men are much higher than in women, and these rates increase with age.

If the symptoms of oral cancer are recognized and treated in their early stages, the chances of survival increase by 82%.

Similarly, if it is identified and treated at an advanced stage, the survival rate can reach 27%.

At the first sign of oral cancer, you should see a dentist immediately for prompt and appropriate treatment. It is common to observe that the Indian population does not pay enough attention to their oral health, leading to a high incidence of oral diseases. To prevent oral problems, it is essential to visit the dentist regularly and maintain good overall oral health.