When we hear the word canker sore, what comes to mind is inflammation around the mouth that everyone has experienced. Canker sores are often considered trivial because they are easy to cure. However, canker sores that do not heal can also be a symptom of oral cancer.
Something that is left continuously can be a problem, if the canker sore is continuously irritated then the cells will change their nature. From what was previously fine, it changes its nature to become dangerous. These cells will divide into many and uncontrolled which is called cancer.
Cancer cells can grow anywhere, including in the oral cavity. Although it is considered malignant and deadly, oral cancer can be prevented early.
However, so far many sufferers have received a late diagnosis and are difficult to cure. Therefore, detecting symptoms early is very important because the cure rate of this cancer depends on the stage of cancer suffered and the health condition of the patient.
Oral Cancer: Definition and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Below we summarize information about oral cancer including the definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of this type of cancer taken from various sources.
Definition
Oral cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the tissues of the oral cavity including the lips, tongue, tonsils, salivary glands, throat and airways gums, or the roof of the mouth. This cancer occurs due to the growth of abnormal tissue in the oral cavity that cannot be controlled. Just like most types of cancer, this cancer can cause complications and even death.
Reason
There is no clear explanation for why oral cancer can develop. However, there are certain factors that can increase the risk, including:
- HPV
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Genetic factors in cancer sufferers
- Poor oral hygiene
- Unhealthy eating patterns
- Weak immune system
Symptoms to Watch Out For
This type of cancer can occur in the areas:
- Lips
- Gum
- Tongue
- Inner layer of the cheek
- Under the tongue
- Roof of the mouth
Reported from Web MD, some conditions that can be symptoms of this cancer include:
- Lumps appear in the area of the lips, gums, cheeks, or inside the mouth.
- Sores on the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums that appear and do not go away
- Mouth bleeding
- Numbness in the face, mouth, or neck area
- Discomfort in the throat
- Changes in voice or speech
- Earache
- Swelling or pain in the jaw
- Lose weight drastically
Consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Diagnosis and Stage
Reported from cancer.org.au, this cancer detection can be done by a dentist. The dentist will perform an examination in the mouth, throat, tongue, cheeks, ears, and eyes. If necessary, the patient will be referred to a specialist for further examination, namely:
This test is done to examine the patient’s throat, and look for signs of cancer cells that have spread to the throat.
This procedure involves taking a sample of oral tissue to test for cancer cells.
X-rays of the head and neck may be needed if the cancer has spread to the jaw, lungs, or chest.
Examination in the form of a CT scan, MRI, orPositron Emission Tomography(PET)
Cancer Stage
Cancer staging can help doctors determine how far the cancer has spread and what treatment the patient needs.
At this stage, the cancer is only on the surface layer, namely the mouth and lips.
The cancer is still small, approximately 2 cm.
Cancer begins to grow in size to around 2-4 cm
The cancer has grown to a large size, namely more than 4 cm and has started to spread to the lymph nodes.
The size of the cancer is large and its spread has spread to several tissues outside the mouth or to other organs of the body.
Prevention
To date, there is no proven way to prevent this cancer. However, you can reduce your risk by doing the following:
- Stop smoking. Smoking can make someone more susceptible to this cancer because the chemical content in it can trigger it.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption or stop altogether. Drinking too much alcohol can irritate the cells in your mouth, increasing your risk of cancer.
- Avoid direct sun exposure. Keep the sun away from the mouth area. Use a lip balm with SPF and a face mask.
- Check your oral and dental health regularly. It is advisable to check your dental and oral health with a dentist at least once a year to avoid health problems in the oral and dental area.
Implementing a healthy lifestyle by consuming lots of vegetables and fruits that contain lots of antioxidants can prevent the development of cancer cells. That’s a summary of oral cancer. Hopefully it’s useful!
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
