Are you aware of oral cancer? Let's talk about it!

Have you ever heard of oral cancer? You may have been a little scared when you heard the name. However, it is very important to have a clear understanding of this. Because if it is detected early, it is easier to treat and can be cured to a large extent. So, today we will talk about this oral cancer in detail.

What is oral cancer? Who gets it?

Simply put, oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of your mouth. These can sometimes look like normal problems, such as white spots on your lips or inside your mouth, or bleeding sores. But the difference is that these changes don't heal and persist. If left untreated, oral cancer can spread throughout your mouth and throat, and even spread to other parts of your head and neck. According to statistics, about 63% of people with oral cavity cancer survive five years after diagnosis.

Now let's see who is most likely to develop oral cancer. On average, about eleven people out of a hundred thousand can develop this condition in their lifetime. In most cases, men are slightly more likely to develop it than women. Also, it is said that white people are more likely to develop this type of cancer than black people.

How does oral cancer affect the body?

Where does oral cancer actually affect? ​​Mainly your mouth and some parts of your throat. In medical terms, it affects the areas called the 'oral cavity' (`(oral cavity)`) and the '(oropharynx)`). The oropharynx (`(oropharynx)`) is the middle part of your throat that you can see when you open your mouth wide, part of the tongue, and part of the roof of your mouth. If cancer develops there, we call it `(oropharyngeal cancer)`. But in this article, we will talk more about cancers that develop inside the mouth, that is, in the `(oral cavity)`.

What are the parts of the oral cavity?

So, when we say ``oral cavity``, what does it belong to? Think about it...

• Your lips.
• Your gums.
• The skin on the inside of your cheeks (we call it ``lining of the inside of your cheeks'').
• The front two-thirds of your tongue.
• The floor of your mouth (that is, the area under your tongue).
• The first part of the roof of your mouth.
• The area behind the last two teeth (`(wisdom teeth)`).

What are the causes of oral cancer?

Okay, now let's see how oral cancer occurs. Simply put, we have a type of cell in our mouth called ``squamous cells''. These are flat cells that look like fish scales when viewed under a microscope. Cancer cells form when the ``DNA'' of those normal ``squamous cells'' changes, and those cells start to grow and divide uncontrollably. Over time, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the mouth, then to other parts of the head and neck, and possibly to other parts of the body.

Habits and causes that increase risk

There are certain habits and factors that increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Did you know that 75% of people who develop oral cancer are related to these things:

• Smoking things like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
• Chewing tobacco, using tobacco with betel leaves, and using things like ``hookah'' or ``shisha''.
• Frequent heavy drinking.
• Staying in the sun for a long time without any protection for the lips (for example, without even applying ``sunblock'').
• Being infected with the virus ``Human Papillomavirus`` or ``HPV``.
• A family history of oral cancer (i.e., a hereditary link).

But it's also important to remember that about 25% of people who develop oral cancer do not smoke or have other risk factors. So it's good for all of us to be aware of this.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Now let's look at the symptoms of oral cancer. Sometimes these can be confused with normal oral problems. For example, you may see white patches inside your mouth that you can't scratch off. These can also be pre-cancerous conditions.

There are several types of spots like this that appear in the mouth and throat, and they vary in color:

• Leukoplakia: These are white or gray flat spots.
• Erythroplakia: These are red, sometimes slightly raised, or flat patches. They may bleed when scratched.
• Erythroleukoplakia: These are patches that are a mixture of red and white.

In addition, the following are common symptoms of oral cancer:

• If you have sores on your lips or inside your mouth that bleed easily and don't heal after two weeks.
• Things like lips, gums, rough areas inside the mouth, and places where there is peeling.
• If there is bleeding from the inside of the mouth for no apparent reason.
• If you experience numbness, pain, or a burning sensation in your face, neck, or inside your mouth for no apparent reason.
• If you have difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, your jaw hurts, or you have difficulty moving your tongue.
• If you lose weight unexpectedly (`(Unintentional weight loss)`).
• An earache.
• If you have persistent bad breath (`(Chronic bad breath)`).

How is oral cancer diagnosed?

If you go to the dentist regularly, he or she may check for signs of oral cancer during your routine check-up. If he or she suspects this, he or she may do some basic tests or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (`(Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon)`) or a head and neck surgeon (`(Head and Neck Surgeon)`). These specialists are also called ear, nose and throat specialists (`(ENT specialists)`).

Here are some of the tests used to diagnose oral cancer:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will look inside your mouth and may also feel your mouth. They will also check your head, face, and neck for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Brush biopsy (also called scrape biopsy or exfoliative cytology): The doctor uses a small brush or spatula to gently scrape away a small amount of cells from the suspicious area. The cells are then tested to see if they are cancerous.
• Incisional biopsy: In this, the doctor removes a piece of tissue from the suspicious area and tests the cells to see if they are cancerous.
• Indirect laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy: The doctor uses a long-handled instrument with a small mirror attached to it to look at your throat, the base of your tongue, and part of your larynx (voice box).
• Direct (flexible) pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy: Sometimes an endoscope is used to look deep into the throat and mouth that cannot be seen with a scope. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a lens at the front.

Are there stages of oral cancer?

Yes, absolutely. These tests help determine the stage (`stage`) of the cancer. Stage refers to where the cancer is, how far it has spread, and whether it has spread beyond where it first started. These tests also look at whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors use information about this stage to plan treatment and predict the chances of recovery.

Oral cancer is classified using the TNM system.

• The letter T refers to the size and location of the primary tumor.
• The letter N indicates whether the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes.
• The letter M indicates whether the tumor has spread to distant parts of the body (metastasized).

The stages of oral cavity cancer are usually as follows:

• TI: The tumor in the mouth is 2 centimeters or less.
• T2: The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters, but not larger than 4 centimeters.
• T3: The tumor is larger than 4 centimeters.

How is oral cancer treated?

There are three main ways to treat oral cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy . You should talk to your doctor about all of your options, their side effects, and how to manage them.

A doctor considers several factors before suggesting a treatment. Among them are:

• What kind of oral cancer do you have?
• Whether your cancer has spread from where it first started to other parts of your mouth and throat, or to other parts of your body.
• Your general health.
• your age.

What surgeries are performed for oral cancer?

The most common surgeries performed for oral cancer are:

• Primary tumor surgery: Doctors remove the tumor either through an incision inside the mouth or in the neck.
• Glossectomy: This involves removing part or all of the tongue.
• Jawbone surgery (Mandibular surgery): This is a surgery performed if there is cancer in the jawbone.
• Maxillectomy: This surgery removes part or all of the upper roof of the mouth (the bony part of the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate).
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This test can help doctors find out if the cancer has spread beyond the original site.
• Neck dissection: This surgery is performed to remove the lymph nodes in the neck.
• Reconstruction: After surgery to remove a large amount of tissue, reconstructive surgery may be performed to fill in the space where the tumor was or to rebuild parts of the body, such as the lip, tongue, palate, or jaw. Sometimes, this reconstruction involves taking healthy bone and tissue from other parts of the body.

Other treatments

Doctors may also use other treatments, either in conjunction with surgery or separately.

• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Your doctor may combine radiation therapy with other treatments.
• Targeted therapy: This type of cancer treatment uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells without harming normal cells. Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins made in a laboratory. They are used to treat cancer.
• Chemotherapy: The doctor may use anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment affects many parts of the body.
• Immunotherapy: This is a treatment that uses your own immune system to fight cancer. It is sometimes called biological therapy.

What can be done to prevent oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a preventable disease. You can also actively contribute to it. Following these tips will help you prevent oral cancer:

• If you use tobacco (cigarettes, beedis), chew tobacco, or use a water pipe, try to stop or cut down. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.
• When going out in the sun, don't forget to use a ``UV-AB-blocking sunscreen'' for your face and lips.
• Get vaccinated against `(Human Papillomavirus - HPV)`.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get regular dental check-ups. It is a good idea to get a check-up for oral cancer at least once every three years for people between the ages of 20 and 40, and every year after the age of 40.

Can I find out if I have oral cancer myself?

If oral cancer is detected early, its growth or spread can be slowed.

You can do a self-examination of your mouth every month. If you notice anything unusual or unusual while doing so, see a dentist right away. Here's how to check your mouth, throat, and neck for signs of oral cancer:

• Feel your lips, the front of your gums, and the roof of your mouth.
• Feel your neck and under your armpits for lumps or swollen lymph nodes.
• Go to a well-lit place in front of a mirror and look inside your mouth.
• Tilt your head back and look at the roof of your mouth.
• Pull out the cheeks and look inside the mouth, the skin inside the cheeks, and the gums behind.
• Stick your tongue out and look at the top, bottom, and sides. Slowly push your tongue back and look at the bottom of your mouth.

What can I expect if I have oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops inside the mouth. Like many cancers, early detection and treatment can slow the spread of oral cancer. About a third of people who have been treated for oral cancer will develop a new cancer. If you have been treated for oral cancer, talk to your doctor about follow-up examinations.

What happens after completing treatment?

After you complete treatment for oral cancer, your doctor will give you information about how the specific treatment you received will affect your daily life.

For example, some people with oral cancer can be successfully treated by removing the tumor from the lip or mouth. However, someone whose cancer has spread may need a different, more extensive surgery, perhaps even reconstructing part of the mouth or jaw.

No matter your condition, you will need to see your doctors, including your dentist, regularly for check-ups (`(follow-up appointments)`).

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice any changes in your mouth – new sores that don't heal after two weeks, rough patches, etc. – see a doctor right away. It's very important. The earlier you find out, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

Here are some common questions you can ask your doctor:

• What is the difference between pre-cancerous oral cancer and oral cancer?
• Is my condition temporary or chronic?
• What could be the reason why I get cancer?
• What kind of tests will I have to do and how are they done?
• What is the best treatment?
• What are the alternatives to the main method you propose?
• If I have to have surgery, will I also have to have reconstructive surgery?
• Should I see a specialist? How much will it cost, and will my insurance cover it?
• What can I do to reduce my symptoms?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to help with treatment and recovery?

The most important thing for you to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Although oral cancer is a serious disease, it can be successfully treated if detected early.

That's why it's important to see a dentist at least twice a year and to check your mouth yourself at least once a month. There are ways to prevent oral cancer. One of the most important of these is to avoid using tobacco products. It's normal to feel scared when you find out you have cancer. But remember, you're not alone. If you need help talking to your friends and family about your oral cancer, talk to your doctors about it. Take care of your health, because it's the most valuable thing you have!

` Oral Cancer, Oral Cancer, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Surgery, Prevention, Self-Examination