Oral cancer is understood as cancers seen in the area limited to the lip, tongue, alveolar mucosa of the lower and upper jaw, palate, tongue, floor of the mouth and throat area. While 1/3 of oral cancers involve the throat area, the remaining 2/3 of them involve the oral cavity.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancers constitute 2-4% of all cancer cases. On the other hand, oral cancers are seen at a much higher rate in South East Asian countries. For example, 45% of all cancer cases in India are oral cancers. It is known that 95% of Oral Cancer patients are individuals over the age of 40 and the average age at the time of diagnosis of the disease is 60. The female/male ratio is ½. Alcohol and cigarettes are considered as the main causes in 75% of cases.
As in many types of cancer, early diagnosis is important in order to get the most benefit from the treatment, to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, and to prevent facial deformities and speech difficulties.
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What is the First Sign of Oral Cancer?
Swelling and spots that have been in the mouth for a long time and do not show any signs of passing, any cracks, swelling or ulcers in the mouth or lips that do not heal even though they do not cause pain are the first signs of oral cancer. may be a sign. A developing tumor may not cause pain, but may spread to form ulcers that can cause bleeding.
Cancer of the tongue is often painful and causes the tongue to be abnormally stiff and inflexible. Difficulty speaking or swallowing properly and a feeling of numbness may occur. When persistent white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) appear in the mouth, these may be precursor cancer lesions. It is also very dangerous to hold some tobacco in one spot in the mouth for a long time. This condition often causes leukoplakia, which is considered to be a precursor cancer condition.
Other Factors Triggering the Development of Oral Cancer?
Excessive alcohol consumption, especially hard alcoholic beverages, combined with alcohol and cigarettes use (As the uptake of cancer-producing substances in cigarette smoke into the body is further increased by alcohol, the combination of alcohol and cigarette smoke is an important reason), dentures that do not fit, especially Insufficient care when teeth are rough or pointed, and constant irritation of the tongue due to any sharp edge on the tooth can be counted.
How to Diagnose Oral Cancer?
Any swelling in the mouth that does not go away within a month or tissue change should be reported to the doctor. A direct examination of the lesion or a small biopsy can make the diagnosis. Computed Tomography or MRI scans may be helpful to determine the extent of the cancer and to find out if it is affecting the bones or other areas.
How Is Oral Cancer Treated?
Treatment is usually surgical removal of all cancerous tissue, It consists of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or the use of these methods together. One of these treatments or their various combinations is decided according to the type of tumor, the disease and the condition of the patient. Again, the order of these treatments may vary in various situations.
When oral cancer is treated early, the probability of recovery is high. After surgery, it may be necessary to perform some reconstructive surgery on soft tissue or skin or replace bones with prostheses. Patients whose mouths are changed in treatment may need to receive restorative dentistry, speech therapy and nutritional counseling services. Psychological support may also be necessary for people whose speech or appearance has changed after treatment.
If you use tobacco products, drink a lot of alcohol, are constantly exposed to sunlight, have habits such as cheek chewing or lip biting, if you have removable dentures that do not fit well, and face sores in the neck and mouth that do not heal within two weeks, swelling on the lips, gums or other areas of the mouth, regional color differences that occur in the mouth in white, red or dark color, recurrent bleeding in the mouth, numbness or decrease in feeling, or in the mouth or neck area If you feel pain, applying to your Ear, Nose and Throat Physician or Dentist or Skin Diseases Specialist may provide an early diagnosis opportunity and ensure that cancerous tissues are safely removed from you.
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