Oral cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the mouth or throat, is a deadly disease that affects millions of people every year.

This cancer can develop in different areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth. It is important to know the distinctive features of this cancer to detect it early and treat it effectively. In this article, we will discuss the various features of oral cancer.

Types of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be categorized into various types, including:.

Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of oral cancer, which affects the cells lining the mouth and throat
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma: This type of oral cancer can develop in the salivary glands
Adenocarcinoma: This cancer type originates in the salivary glands or mucus-secreting glands
Acinic cell carcinoma: This type of cancer also develops in the salivary glands
Oral lymphoma: This is a rare form of cancer that starts in the lymph tissue of the mouth or throat

Causes of Oral Cancer

Research shows that certain lifestyle factors and environmental toxins can contribute to the development of oral cancer. Some of the causes of oral cancer include:.

Tobacco use
Heavy alcohol consumption
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Chronic sun exposure to the lips
Poor dental hygiene

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can cause various symptoms that can be easily overlooked, including:.

Mouth sores that don’t heal
Bleeding in the mouth
Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth
Difficulty in chewing, swallowing or speaking
Swelling or lumps in the mouth, neck or throat
Changes in the voice or speech
Loose teeth or dentures

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer

If any suspicious symptoms are noticed in the mouth or throat, an appointment with a dentist or primary care physician should be scheduled.

The doctor will examine the mouth and throat for lumps or irregularities, and may recommend a biopsy to test for the presence of cancer cells. Other tests, such as imaging scans or blood tests may also be recommended to determine the extent of the cancer.

Treatments for Oral Cancer

The treatment for oral cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. Some common treatments include:.

Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue
Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
Radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells with high-energy radiation
Immunotherapy to enhance the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells

Prevention of Oral Cancer

Prevention is the key to reduce the risk of oral cancer. Some effective preventive measures include:.

Avoid using tobacco in any form
Limit alcohol consumption
Protect lips from sun exposure
Practice good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing
Get vaccinated for HPV
Seek regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings

Conclusion

Knowing the distinctive features of oral cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if any symptoms are noticed in the mouth or throat area.

Preventive measures such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, protecting lips from sun exposure and practicing good dental hygiene can help reduce the risk of oral cancer.