ORAL CANCER
It includes the lips, the front two-third part of the tongue, the gums, the inner lining of inner cheeks, and the bony part or hard palate. It occurs primarily due to excessive use of tobacco or smoking or both.
Cancers of the oral cavity are a group of malignant tumors that can develop in various parts of the mouth like the lips, the lining inside the cheeks and lips (buccal mucosa), the front two-thirds of the tongue, the gums, the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue, the hard palate (roof of the mouth), and the small area behind the wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone). Here are some common types of oral cavity cancers:
Oral cancer refers to cancers that arise from the lips, the anterior two-third part of the tongue, the gums, the inner lining of cheeks (buccal mucosa), the hard palate, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone). Majority of the oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma.
Types of oral cavity cancers
Squamous cell carcinoma
most common type of oral cavity cancer, accounting for majority of the cases. It typically arises from the squamous cells lining the oral cavity.
Oral tongue cancer
This refers to cancers that develop on the front two-thirds of the tongue, which is the part you can stick out of your mouth.
Floor of mouth cancer
This type of cancer forms on the bottom of the mouth beneath the tongue.
Gingival cancer
Cancer of the gums.
Hard palate cancer
Cancer that develops on the roof of the mouth.
Buccal mucosa cancer
Cancer that forms on the inner lining of the cheeks.
Lip cancer
Cancer affecting the lips, which can occur on either the upper or lower lip.
Risk factors for oral cavity cancers include tobacco use (both smoking and smokeless tobacco), excessive alcohol consumption, or both, a diet low in essential minerals and vitamins (fruits and vegetables), chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances, and infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Symptoms may include persistent mouth sores or non-healing ulcers, swelling or lumps in the mouth, pain or difficulty in swallowing, numbness in the mouth or lips, abnormal white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth with burning sensation while eating spicy food, and changes in voice (hoarseness). Other than this, a swelling or lump in the neck can also be a symptom of oral cancer.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of oral cavity cancers. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. It is therefore important to maintain good oral hygiene and to promptly report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional for evaluation.