Let’s Talk About Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth. It is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 177,757 deaths in 2020.

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are the major risk factors for developing mouth cancer.

And like other forms of cancer, mouth cancer can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If diagnosed at a late stage or left untreated, it can be fatal. But, with early detection and immediate treatment, the chances of survival and successful management of mouth cancer increase.

This blog post will explain what mouth cancer is, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent it.

What Is Mouth Cancer?

Also known as “oral cancer” or “cancer of the oral cavity,” mouth cancer often occurs on the lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth. In some cases, it can start in the cheeks, gums, and salivary glands.

As earlier mentioned, people are at higher risk for mouth cancer if they are smokers or drinkers. Also, if they have been exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), their risk of getting mouth cancer increases.

Mouth cancer can form in different regions of the mouth, including the lips, gums, jaw, and tongue.

The most typical location for mouth cancer is the lips. The prognosis for lip cancer is good if detected early. Treatment for early discovery is often surgery, without the requirement for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or lymph node dissection.

On the other hand, mouth cancer can start in the upper and lower gums, and if it gets worse, it can spread to the jawbone. A partial or whole portion of either the upper or lower jawbone may need to be removed to treat gum and jaw cancer. And in some cases, a patient will need face reconstruction when excision of the whole jawbone is required.

Lastly, most mouth cancers start on the tongue. Cancer at the base of the tongue is called “oropharyngeal” or “throat cancer.” People with this type of mouth cancer may have blood, pain, stiffness, red or white spots on the tongue, and trouble eating.

What Are the Symptoms of Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer can present a range of symptoms. If you experience any persistent or concerning signs, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Here are some common symptoms of mouth cancer:

Book an appointment with a dentist at Embrace Dental Care if you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms, especially if your symptoms have already lasted for more than two weeks.

How Do You Prevent Mouth Cancer?

While there’s no proven or guaranteed way to prevent mouth cancer, you can absolutely reduce your risk if you do the following: