In oral cancer awareness, early detection identifies possible symptoms. Regular screening for different types of common cancers often omits oral cancer awareness measures. However, oral cancer is quite common, and early detection and treatment enhance the recovery rate.
The Nature and Spread of Oral Cancer
Cancer starts when cells grow abnormally and form a tumour, mass, or lump. These abnormal cells invade neighbouring tissue, leading to metastasis- the spread of cancer to other areas. Cancer can affect most parts of the body.
Oral cancer comprises a group of cancers called neck and head cancers. It begins in the cells in the oral cavity and the lips. Oral cancers often start in the lining of the mouth, and such cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas. They prevail more in men than in women.
Detecting Signs and Symptoms that Characterise Oral Cancer
Some problems thought to be oral cancer are often symptoms of other ailments. A person can notice changes in his mouth. Visiting a dentist or healthcare worker for examination to detect or rule out cancer is prudent.
The doctor takes the patient’s personal and family health history to list any possible risk factors. The health care worker conducts an oral examination in the cancer detection procedures. The exam explores the head and neck and the oral cavity. Further tests include examining the mouth and throat with a pharyngoscope.
The doctor may then prescribe a biopsy on the tissue of the affected area. If the tests are positive, further tests are performed to confirm the extent and aggressiveness or stage of the cancer. This checks the extent of metastasis in the body. The tests guide the development of an effective treatment process.
Dentists can detect and prescribe the relevant tests once they notice symptoms such as:
- Unusual bleeding, numbness, or pain in the mouth or tongue
- Trouble or pain when swallowing. Or feeling something obstructing the throat
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that fails to heal
- A red or white patch in the lining of the mouth, tongue, or gum
- A lump on the lip, throat, or in the mouth
- Inability to chew
- A swelling around the jaw, throat, or neck that does not go away
- Bad breath
- Pain in the jaw or ear
- Change in voice
- Painful or loose teeth
- Unexplained weight loss
- Change in the fit of dentures
Factors Predisposing a Person to Oral Cancer
Some conditions and behaviours increase the probability of a person having oral cancer. Although the causes of cancer remain obscure, the following factors increase the risk:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Inadequate dental care
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Previous or continued use of tobacco
- Poor diet lacking vegetables and fruits
- Heavy exposure to artificial tanning or natural sunlight
- Obesity
- Compromised immune system
- Genetic disorders such as Fanconi anaemia
- Having a fair skin complexion
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
Adopting a healthy lifestyle prevents, slows, and enhances oral cancer recovery. It includes the following practices:
- Having regular dental check-ups
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Healthy body weight
- Eating healthy by avoiding sugary drinks, processed foods, and red meat
- Controlling exposure to HPV or getting the HPV vaccine
- Avoiding or quitting smoking and chewing tobacco
- Using sunscreen and limiting unhealthy exposure to the sun and UV light to protect the lips
- Limiting or stopping alcohol consumption
Avoid and Beat Mouth Cancer
Although cancer starts and spreads silently before detection, it is curable when caught early. Patients should have a positive outlook, and all people should adopt healthy living habits to prevent and overcome oral cancer. They should also adopt good oral hygiene and see dentists regularly.
