Oral Cancer Symptoms and Treatment
Oral cancer is a type of cancer originating from the mucosa, usually occurring on the lips, tongue, hard palate (palatal region - roof of the mouth), floor of the mouth, cheeks, or the wisdom tooth area. These cancers, which behave differently depending on the region they appear in, are aggressive types of cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer formed by the growth of cells that should not be there on or around the surface of the mouth or lips. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the success rate. Surgical intervention is usually the first method of choice. The surgical area is generally kept wide and safe with clear margins, and the removed tissues must be determined by pathological evaluation. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be applied alongside surgery. Except for hard palate cancers, oral cancer surgery usually requires neck dissection as well.
Oral cancers fall within the field of Otolaryngologists (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgeons. It is seen twice as often in men as in women.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Leading factors in oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, a family history of oral cancer, the HPV virus, long-term exposure to sunlight, and immune system issues.
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
If any of the symptoms listed below last longer than 2 weeks, a doctor should be consulted.
- ● Bad breath
- ● Unexplained weight loss
- ● Feeling like something is constantly stuck in the throat
- ● Numbness in the tongue, lip, or a specific part of the mouth
- ● Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- ● Inability to move the jaw and tongue
- ● Hoarseness
- ● Persistent sore throat that does not heal
- ● Non-healing mouth/lip sores
- ● A lump or persistent swelling inside the mouth
- ● A discolored area in the mouth that remains that way
- ● Swelling and thickening in the cheeks
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
To diagnose oral cancer, the condition is first assessed through a physical examination, panoramic X-ray, and, if necessary, a CT scan. If a dentist detects an abnormal tissue change, lump, or swelling due to a cause other than dental or gum disease, a diagnosis can be made during the physical exam or via biopsy. Following diagnosis, your doctor will determine the spread of the cancer using various other tests.
These tests vary by case but may include:
- ● Chest CT to check for lymph nodes
- ● Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to see if cancer exists in other parts of the body
- ● Head and neck MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Oral Cancer Treatment
There are various treatments for oral cancer, and the process varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the person's general health. The most common method used in oral cancers is the surgical procedure. During this procedure, cancerous tissues and a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue are removed. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the surgeon will also remove the lymph nodes.
Following surgical intervention, pain management may be required for a while to alleviate edema and surgical-related eating difficulties; however, it may take a few weeks for the edema to dissipate. The operating team will decide whether radiotherapy or chemotherapy will be necessary after surgery.
Radiotherapy can be thought of as the elimination of microscopic cancer cells that could not be fully cleared during surgery, using high-energy rays. Radiotherapy can help alleviate bleeding and swallowing difficulties. The most common side effects after radiotherapy are dry mouth, gum recession, slow healing of oral sores, changes in smell and taste, and localized inflammation.
Chemotherapy involves drugs that prevent cancer cells from multiplying. It has various side effects but can sometimes be used alone or in conjunction with surgery.
Immunotherapy uses medications that help the individual's own immune system fight the cancer.