A sore in the mouth that won't heal? Let's be aware of oral cancer!

We all get small sores in our mouths all the time, don't we? Sometimes we accidentally bite our cheek, or we get sores in our mouths after eating spicy food. But these sores usually heal on their own in a few days. But what if you have a sore or a white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal even after two weeks? That's when we need to be a little more careful. Because, it could be an early sign of oral cancer. Don't worry, let's talk about everything in simple terms.

Simply put, what is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a cancerous condition that can develop anywhere inside our mouth, such as the lips, gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. Normally, the cells inside our mouth grow in a controlled manner and eventually die. But in cancer, these cells start to grow rapidly without any control.

Cancer cells that form in this way can join together to form a tumor. If this condition is not treated, the cancer can spread further inside the mouth, to the lymph nodes in the neck, and from there to other parts of the body.

But the most important thing to remember here is that oral cancer is completely curable if detected early . That's why it's so important to be aware of this.

What things increase the risk of developing oral cancer?

Although there is no single cause for oral cancer, there are several key factors that greatly increase the risk. Some of these habits are common among our people in Sri Lanka.

But don't forget that even people without any of these risk factors can develop oral cancer. That's why it's important for everyone to take care of their oral health.

What symptoms should we look out for?

The symptoms of oral cancer can sometimes look like normal oral problems. But the main difference is that these symptoms last longer than two weeks.

Pre-cancerous conditions

Sometimes, spots can develop inside the mouth that could turn into cancer. If you see these, it is very important to see a doctor immediately.

• Leukoplakia: These are white or gray patches that form inside the mouth and cannot be removed by rubbing.
• Erythroplakia: These are red, slightly raised patches on the surface . They may bleed when scratched. They have a high risk of becoming cancerous.
• Erythroleukoplakia: These appear as mixed white and red patches .

Common symptoms

If you have one or more of the following symptoms and they do not improve within two weeks, see a doctor immediately.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

When you go to see a doctor with this symptom, the first thing he or she will do is examine your mouth carefully. They will look at your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and the back of your throat. They will also check for any lumps in your neck.

If there is any suspicious area, a test called a biopsy is performed to confirm whether it is cancerous or not.

In addition, tests such as endoscopy (examining the throat with a tube with a camera), CT scan, and MRI scan may be necessary to see how far the cancer has spread.

What are the treatments for oral cancer?

Treatment for oral cancer depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, its location, its size, whether it has spread, and the patient's overall health. There are several main treatment options.

1. Surgery: The most common treatment is surgery to remove the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, they may also need to be removed. Sometimes, if a large area is removed, reconstructive surgery may be done to restore the cancer to its original size.

2. Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells. This treatment may also be given to kill any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

3. Chemotherapy: This involves giving drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is very important when the cancer has spread because these drugs travel throughout the body and kill cancer cells.

Often, one or more of these treatments are given together (combination therapy) to achieve the best results. Your doctor will determine the treatment plan that is best for you.

What can we do to survive this?

Oral cancer is a largely preventable disease. Making a few small changes to our lifestyle can greatly reduce this risk.

• Stay away from tobacco completely: If you smoke or chew betel nut, make a decision to stop today . It is the best decision you can make. If necessary, ask your doctor for help.
• Limit alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Protect your lips from the sun: When going out, apply a sunblock that protects your lips from UV rays.
• Examine your mouth yourself: At least once a month, stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes inside your mouth in a well-lit area.
• Feel your lips, gums, and inside your cheeks to see if there are any lumps.
• Stick your tongue out and look carefully at the top, bottom, and sides.
• Also look at the palate and the area under the tongue.
• Feel both sides of the neck to see if there are any lumps.

If you notice anything unusual, don't panic or delay, see a doctor.