The Truth About Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth
. Mouth cancer can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. Mouth cancer is one of several types of cancer grouped in a category called head and neck cancers.
This cancer has become more and more common and dangerous, and doctors are being more vocal about how to detect and avoid this dangerous disease. By learning the symptoms, causes, and treatments of this oral disease, you can better learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include but are not limited to a sore that doesn't heal, a lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, loose teeth, poorly fitting dentures, tongue pain, jaw pain or stiffness, difficult or painful chewing, difficult or painful swallowing, a persistent sore throat, or a feeling that something is caught in your throat. If you have any of these signs, it may be time to take a deeper look into the cause.
Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if you have any persistent signs and symptoms that bother you and last more than two weeks. Your doctor will likely investigate other more common causes for your signs and symptoms first, such as an infection.
Mouth cancer occurs when cells on your lips or in your mouth develop changes or mutations in their DNA. These mutations allow cancer cells to grow and divide when healthy cells would die.
The accumulating mouth cancer cells can form a tumor. With time they may spread to other areas of the mouth and on to other areas of the head and neck or other parts of the body.
Mouth cancers most commonly begin in the flat, thin cells, also called squamous cells, which line your lips and the inside of your mouth. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
It's not clear what causes the mutations in squamous cells that lead to mouth cancer. But doctors have identified factors that may increase the risk of mouth cancer.
There are ways to avoid this disease, which you can do today. Factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others, heavy alcohol use, excessive sun exposure to your lips, a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus, or previous cancer or radiation treatments in the head or neck area.
Mouth cancer treatment can cause complications that make it difficult to speak, swallow or chew. Your doctor may anticipate some of these complications and may refer you to specialists who can prepare you for changes and help you recover after your treatment.
Depending on your situation, you may be referred to specialists who can help you with speech problems, difficulty swallowing, difficulty eating, or coping with changes in your appearance.
If you suspect that you have mouth cancer, you're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a dentist or a dentist who specializes in diseases of the gums and related tissue in the mouth, also called a periodontist.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Ask your doctor as many questions as you can, until you feel comfortable with the process, treatment, and risks.
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements that you're taking. Take a family member or friend along, if possible.
Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
With this information, you can protect yourself, and cope with the stress that comes with the detection of this disease. With a professional oral surgeon, you can catch this problem before it becomes deadly.
by: Ignacio Lopez
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