Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It may arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. Oral cancers may originate in any of the tissues of the mouth, and may be of varied histologic types: teratoma, adenocarcinoma derived from a major or minor salivary gland, lymphoma from tonsillar or other lymphoid tissue, or melanoma from the pigment producing cells of the oral mucosa. Far and away the most common oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, originating in the tissues that line the mouth and lips. Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinoma. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.

What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer may include:

A persistent painful lump inside the mouth area. Discomfort while eating, drinking, or swallowing. Loose teeth, or toothache or earache that does not respond to conventional treatment. A swollen lymph node in the neck.

Symptoms associated with advanced oral cancer include ear pain or pain in the roof of the mouth, spasms in facial or neck muscles, or persistent bad breath.

What are the Causes of Oral Cancer

There is a strong link between the use of alcohol and tobacco and the onset of oral cancer. The disease usually affects tissue that is already broken or irritated by jagged teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or habitual chewing on the inside of the cheek.

Iron deficiency has also been linked to tongue cancer in women.

It is imperative that you go to the dentist regularly for routine examinations.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Oral Cancer

Small oral cancers respond equally well to either surgery or radiation therapy; advanced cancers are treated with both and sometimes with chemotherapy to relieve symptoms.

For recurrent cancer, radiation therapy is the primary treatment.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Oral Cancer

For cancer, there is no real alternative to conventional medical care. Other approaches can complement, but not replace, standard treatment.