What is Oral Cancer?
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is the most common cancer in the head and neck region, and it’s prevalent in India among both men and women. According to Globocon 2022, around 19% of new cancer cases in India are head and neck cancers, with about 143,000 of these being oral cancer.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, jaws, and floor of the mouth.
Types: The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the squamous cells lining the mouth and throat.
Our Specialist
Dr. Hemant Nemade
Consultant Head and Neck Oncologist
at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital
What Causes Oral Cancer
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and using smokeless tobacco products significantly increase the risk.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly type 16, is linked to cancers in the throat area.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure to the lips can increase the risk of lip cancer.
- Diet and Nutrition: A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Age and Gender: Men over the age of 50 are at higher risk, although the incidence is rising among younger people due to HPV-related cases.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Persistent Sores: Ulcers or sores in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
- Lumps or Thickening: Unusual lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck.
- Red or White Patches: Red (erythroplakia) or white (leukoplakia) patches inside the mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
- Numbness: Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth.
- Voice Changes: Chronic hoarseness or other voice changes.
- Ear Pain: Persistent ear pain without hearing loss.
Prevention and Early Detection:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine dental visits can help detect early signs of oral cancer.
- Self-examination: Monthly self-exams of the mouth to look for abnormal changes.
- Avoid Risk Factors: Limiting tobacco and alcohol use, protecting lips from sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Vaccination: HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options:
Diagnosis: Includes biopsy of suspicious areas, imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and endoscopy.
Treatment Options:
- Surgery: The main treatment option.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used after surgery or alone in some cases.
- Chemotherapy: Used alongside radiation or in advanced cases.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: May be recommended based on the cancer stage and location.
- Rehabilitation: Post-treatment care includes speech therapy, dietary adjustments, and physical therapy.
Life After Cancer Treatment:
Most early-stage oral cancer patients return to normal life without major problems. Modern reconstruction techniques help in maintaining speech, swallowing functions, and appearance. Advanced cancer patients may experience chronic side effects from radiation and surgery, such as altered swallowing and speech, and may need to eat non-spicy, soft foods. Despite these challenges, many patients resume their normal duties and work.
Tips to Prevent Recurrence:
- Regular Follow-ups: Consistent medical check-ups.
- Stop Tobacco and Alcohol: Cease all tobacco and alcohol use.
- Healthy Diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity.
Support and Resources:
- Support Groups: Access to emotional and psychological support.
- Educational Resources: Information available through healthcare providers, cancer organizations, and online resources.
- Community Programs: Participation in awareness campaigns, screenings, and educational workshops.
The Importance of Awareness:
- Early Detection: Increases the chances of successful treatment and survival rates.
- Public Education: Educating the public on risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures.
- Research Funding: Encouraging funding for research to develop better diagnostic tools and treatments.
- Advocacy: Supporting policies that promote cancer screening and prevention programs.
- By spreading awareness about oral cancer, individuals can take preventive actions, seek timely medical advice, and support others in the community who may be affected by this disease.
Information for patient undergoing treatment
Undergoing treatment for oral cancer is relatively easy if you take support from the family, relatives and friends. First challenge is to accept the diagnosis and treatment. One should take a second opinion from the qualified expert for treatment options and make informed choices.
Our first goal should be to remove the tumor with adequate margins. Margin is the normal tissue surrounding the tumor. After removal of the tumor and neck dissection in most of the cases in oral cancer, the defect is analyzed and the reconstruction is planned. The reconstruction has multiple options and the choice is made upon patients defect, general condition, available expertise, expectations and affordability.