What is Mouth Cancer?
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when cells in any part of the mouth grow uncontrollably. It can affect the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Gums
- Inner cheeks
- Roof or floor of the mouth
Risk Factors
Major Risk Factors
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Combined tobacco and alcohol use
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
Other Risk Factors
- Age (typically over 40)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic sun exposure (for lip cancer)
- Previous history of cancer
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent mouth sores that don't heal
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- White or red patches on oral surfaces
- Lumps or thickening of oral tissue
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Persistent sore throat
- Change in voice
- Loose teeth without apparent cause
Diagnosis
Initial Assessment
- Physical examination
- Medical history review
- Visual inspection of the mouth
Diagnostic Tests
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scan)
- Endoscopy
Treatment Options
Primary Treatments
-
Surgery
- Tumor removal
- Lymph node removal if necessary
- Reconstructive surgery
-
Radiation Therapy
- External beam radiation
- Brachytherapy
-
Chemotherapy
- Often combined with radiation
- May be used before or after surgery
Prevention
- Quit tobacco use
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Regular dental check-ups
- Protect lips from sun exposure
- HPV vaccination
Recovery and Follow-up
Post-treatment Care
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Rehabilitation if needed
- Speech therapy when required
- Nutritional support
- Emotional support and counseling
Living with Mouth Cancer
- Join support groups
- Follow medical advice closely
- Maintain good nutrition
- Practice proper oral care
- Regular screening for recurrence