Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
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Introduction to Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer or oral cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the mouth including tongue, lips, inside the cheek, gums, tonsils and salivary glands. This growth further affects neighboring tissues. Cancer develops when the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) changes (genetic mutation). DNA guides/controls the growth, reproduction and the death of cells. However, when genetic mutation occurs, cells reproduce in an uncontrollable manner, leading to cancerous lumps.
Who is more likely to get Mouth Cancer
1) People who smoke cigarettes or cigars are 6 times more prone to get oral cancer than non-smokers.
2) People who use dip, snuff or chew tobacco are 50 times are more vulnerable to develop mouth cancer.
3) All you alcoholics!! You are next in turn. People who are alcoholics are 6 times more prone than non-drinkers.
4) Passive smoking is another reason to develop mouth cancer. It is even more injurious to health than active smoking.
5) Men are more prone to oral cancer than women are, with men aged 50 years and above at maximum risk.
7 Mouth Cancer Signals That You Can’t Afford to Ignore
1. Red, white patches
If your mouth or your lips have white or red patches (or sometimes both) then it might be a signal of growing cancer in your mouth. Generally, such patches indicate growth of abnormal cells that if left untreated might worsen the condition.
2. Blisters in your mouth
A blister in a mouth or your lip that takes prolonged time to heal or doesn’t heal at all might be cancerous. So, if sores or blisters last for more than 2 weeks, then it’s time to visit a doctor.
3. Swallowing becomes troublesome
Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, speaking, tongue and jaw movement might be signals indicating mouth cancer or any other serious ailment. So, if you or your loved ones experience such issues then you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Earaches
Reoccurrence of persistent earache need a doctor because it might (or might not be) be cancerous. In any case, it’s not a good idea to stall visiting a doctor. In case it’s a cancer that’s blossoming, then the earlier you’re aware of it, the better it is for you.
5. Denture discomfort
If your denture doesn’t fit properly, it might be a result of a boxed face or it might be a symptom of oral cancer. Oral cancer can also cause your teeth to loosen or fall, leading to denture problems.
6. Bleeding Mouth
Bleeding mouth can be a cause of numerous serious ailments, mouth cancer being one of them. If you experience bleeding from your mouth more often, then it’s something serious that the internet can’t resolve. You need to see a good doctor. Like right now.
7. Unexpected weight loss
Patients with oral cancer have swallowing and chewing problems. This leads to unexpected weight loss, weakness, tiredness and fatigue.
Treatment for mouth cancer
Surgery:
This method is often used to treat oral cancer. Very small lumps are removed a minor operation but large tumors undergo a major surgery that can keep you in the hospital for days. The surgeons remove the entire lump and also affected tissues around. Surgery of removing oral cancer can also change your face contour or also affect your chewing and swallowing abilities. Talk to your doctor in detail before the surgery to prepare yourself for the forthcoming changes and difficulties.
Radiation Therapy:
External or internal beam radiation therapy is also used to remove the tumor.In external therapy, a radioactive material is placed near the tumor while in external one; the radiation destroys the cells in the path of the beam, including the normal cells. This therapy is given depending upon the stage and type of cancer. Radiations in mouth can make your mouth sore and dry and you can have difficult in swallowing. These side-effects will go away once the normal cells repair themselves.
Chemotherapy:
This accompanied with radiation therapy is used to cure oral cancer. Chemotherapy is given either by a pill or through an injection. This method kills the ability of cells to grow abnormally but as it also affect normal cells; you might face nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and hair loss as side effects of this treatment. As we know that normal cells have ability to repair themselves overtime, so there is nothing to worry about.
The mouth is one of the most essential parts of the body. It is a pathway that feeds stomach and other essential organs. Given the mouth’s role as a gatekeeper – it’s not surprising that mouth cancers spread to other parts of the body.
So, it is important to keep your mouth fresh and happy for a smooth, healthy life further.
Because a healthy mouth is a key to healthy stomach