Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth or oral cavity, such as the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, inner lining of the cheeks, or under the tongue.
Most cases of mouth cancer begin in the flat squamous cells that cover the surfaces of the mouth, lips, and tongue.
Causes of Mouth Cancer
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Weak immune system
- A sexually transmitted virus called HPV
- Excessive sun exposure to lips
Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
- White or red patch inside the mouth
- Lump inside the mouth
- Ear pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mouth pain
- Lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal.
- Loose teeth
Prevention of Mouth Cancer
- Quit the use of tobacco.
- Avoid drinking or drinking in moderation.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Get regular dental checkups.
- Use lip balms with an SPF of a minimum of 30
- Maintain a healthy diet.
Diagnosis of Mouth Cancer
- Physical exam – In this, your doctor or dentist would examine your lips and mouth to look for abnormalities like sores and white patches or areas of irritation.
- Biopsy – The doctor may remove a sample of cells to test in a lab. Doctors analyse these cells for cancer or precancerous changes. They may perform imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to check for cancer spread beyond the mouth.
Treatment of Mouth Cancer
- Surgery – During cancer treatment, surgery may be required to remove the tumour along with some healthy tissue surrounding it. The extent of the surgery depends on the tumour size, with larger tumours requiring more extensive procedures. If cancer has spread to the neck, surgeons may remove lymph nodes and related tissues. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to rebuild the mouth and improve the ability to eat and speak.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation like X-rays and protons to kill the cancer cells or halt their growth. Doctors sometimes use it to alleviate symptoms of liver cancer that spread. They might combine it with other treatments.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or preventing further division. It can be given intravenously or orally and can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
- Targeted Drug Therapy – This treatment uses drugs that are designed specifically to target the tumour cells. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy – This treatment uses substances to boost the immune system and defend against cancer cells. Doctors recommend it for advanced stages of cancer that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
