Oral cancer is perceived as a persistent sore or a growth in the mouth which does not go away on its own. It includes cancers of the pharynx, lips, cheeks, tongue, sinuses, and the floor of the mouth. It is a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated early. When oral cancers are detected early, it is easier to treat and cure patients of this disease. However, in most cases, this cancer is diagnosed in an advanced stage. The main reason behind this is lack of knowledge among the people about the oral cancer signs .
Oral Cancer Signs
The common signs of oral cancer and symptoms may be identified as the following:
- Lumps, swelling, thickening, rough spots, and crusts on the cheek, gums, lips, or other areas inside the mouth
- Red, velvety white or speckled patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding inside the mouth
- Loss of feeling, unexplained numbness and tenderness or pain in any area of the mouth, face, and neck
- Persistent sores on the mouth, neck, or face that bleed easily and refuse to heal even after 2 weeks
- Difficulty in swallowing or chewing, moving the tongue or jaw, and even speaking
- Ear pain
- Hoarseness, change in voice, and chronic sore throat
- Pain and swelling in the jaw
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Knowing oral cancer signs is not enough to prevent it. It is also crucial to know the risk factors that make a person susceptible to oral cancer. These may include:
Smoking:
Cigar, cigarette, and pipe smokers are more likely to develop oral cancers as compared to non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco usage is equally harmful. Using snuff, dip, and chewing tobacco products makes a person 50% more likely to suffer from cancers of the gums, the lining of the lips, and the cheeks.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption:
Alcohol consumption is linked to increased chances of oral cancer in people. In addition, the usage of tobacco and alcohol together increases the chances of oral cancer even more. Thus, on identifying signs of alcohol abuse, a person should immediately change his drinking habits.
Increased Sun Exposure:
In many cases, it is seen that excessive sun exposure especially at younger ages makes a person more susceptible to developing oral cancer later on in his life. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is often linked to causing lip cancers.
Age and Gender:
Oral cancer usually takes several years to grow and most people are diagnosed when they are above 55 years of age. Men are more likely to suffer from oral cancer than women.
Poor Diet:
There is also a link between oral cancer and a lack of proper diet. Enough fruits and vegetables must be consumed to curb the risk of oral cancer.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
- Stay away from cigarettes and any kind of tobacco products
- Drink alcohol in moderation if at all you may. Never indulge in binge drinking
- Ensure to have a proper well-balanced diet.
Limit sun exposure as repeated exposure to the sun increases the cancer risks on the lips. The usage of UV-A/B blocking sun-protective lotions is crucial while being out in the sun.
Just like any other disease, this cancer can also be controlled if proper awareness is spread among the masses about the oral cancer signs & its risk factors.
