Oral Cancer causes, symptoms & treatment
Apr 19, 2022
Oral cancer is cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It appears as a growth sore in the mouth that does not go away. It can be on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and sinuses. If it is not diagnosed and treated early it can be life threatening.
Oral cancer is cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It appears as a growth sore in the mouth that does not go away. It can be on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and sinuses.
The most common symptoms of oral cancer are:
- Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- White, red, or speckled patches in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, pain/ tenderness in any are of the face, mouth, neck
- Ear pain
- Drastic weight loss
- Chronic sore throat, hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty moving jaw or tongue
- Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
- A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
There are several factors that make you at risk for oral cancer, they are:
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Family history of cancer
- Excessive sun exposure
- HPV
Oral cancer is treated the same way other cancers are. The treatments for oral cancer include surgery to remove the cancerous growth, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
You can prevent oral cancer by avoiding smoking, limiting your exposure to the sun, and eating a balanced diet. You can also conduct a self-examination. Using a bright light you can examine your lips, gums, mouth, lining of your cheeks, floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. If you notice any lumps or thickenings, you must see a doctor immediately.
If you notice any symptoms of cancer, find the best oncology doctors and book an appointment. Paras Hospital has a team of cancer specialists and surgeons who can diagnose your symptoms and begin your treatment if necessary.
