Things you should know about mouth cancer

Mouth cancer refers to cancer developing in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (throat), a deadly disease as it is often diagnosed only at the last stage of development. By this time, the disease has almost spread to the lymph nodes in the throat. Mouth cancer also consists of malignant tumors on the lips, tongue, gums, hard and soft palate, under the tongue, and the cheeks.

Early detection and treatment of mouth cancer are essential, but combating surrounding myths can delay a proper diagnosis. This is why you are recommended to visit the best doctor for mouth cancer in Mumbai for regular checkups to look out for the possibility of mouth cancer.

The top five myths on mouth cancer and the facts that counter such superstitions:

• Only high-risk patients should be screened for mouth cancer

You must go for a dentist’s checkup, which guarantees proper oral health for older and younger adults. Dentists can detect early signs of cancer in your mouth, under your tongue, or in the throat, at the stage when it is easily treatable. If they find unexplained discoloration, lumps, patches, or sores, they may recommend testing for future investigation. Malignant lesions are often painless and go unnoticed, but a qualified oncologist would know what could be the actual cause.

 

• Only smokers and tobacco users get mouth cancer

Though alcohol and tobacco remain major risk factors for mouth cancer, cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, or health condition. Prolonged cigarette and cigar smoking that irritates the mouth’s soft tissue, combined with regular consumption of alcohol and chewing tobacco, remains the major risk factor. However, HPV is a rising cause of mouth cancer as well.

Nondrinkers and non-smokers can develop mouth cancer as well, common factors include genetics, prolonged exposure to the sun, poor diet, HPV infections, and a weak immune system. Aging men are at the highest risk of developing mouth cancer; they can get secondary mouth cancers – cancer initiated at a different body part, metastasized to the mouth.

 

• Young people do not develop mouth cancer

Though mouth cancer is commonly seen in patients above the age of fifty, it is not uncommon to see cases in younger patients as well. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease diagnosed by genital warts, is a significant cause of mouth cancer as well, which is why people have developed signs of mouth cancer as well. They can take the HPV vaccine to protect themselves from the risk of oral infections, which contribute to mouth and throat cancer.

Though genetics give you a higher chance of mouth cancer, it is not mandatory. Less exposure to the risk factors reduces the chance of mouth cancer. Regular screening is compulsory for people with a family history to defeat mouth cancer in its early stages.

• Signs of mouth cancer are easily noticeable

Throat or mouth cancer may manifest in unusual places such as the tongue’s base, mouth’s lining, tonsils, and lymph nodes. Other signs include hoarseness, lumps or sores on the mouth and lips, unusual bleeding from the mouth, white and red patches on your tongue, tonsils, mouth lining or gum, or even difficulty swallowing. These can be signs of cancers on the cheek, tongue, and lips. More often than not, difficult-to-detect cancers can cause the highest morbidity and mortality rates. If you recognize the symptoms, get yourself checked for oral cancer immediately.

• You cannot prevent mouth cancer

One of the worst things about cancer is that it cannot be prevented. However, lowering risk factors such as quitting smoking, avoiding tobacco and betel, drinking less, limited sun exposure, and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits reduce the chances of developing oral cancer. If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and take the HPV vaccine.

• What are the common signs of mouth cancer?

Dentists look for the symptoms of mouth cancer such as pain, mouth sores, red and white patches, welling in the neck, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, lumps in the cheek, trouble moving the tongue or jaw, bad breath, and weight loss.

• Is mouth cancer curable?

Though ‘cancer’ is a scary word, the patient has the highest chance of a successful recovery if detected and treated early. Please visit Dr. Suresh Advani for a checkup if you are looking for the best doctor for mouth cancer.