What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the mouth or oral cavity. It can occur on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, hard palate, or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the squamous cells lining these areas. Early detection is essential for effective treatment and better survival rates. Patients in Ghaziabad should be aware of the warning signs and risk factors.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps, swelling, or thickening in the oral cavity
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue/jaw
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of oral cancer:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or prolonged drinking
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus is linked to some oral cancers
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Chronic irritation from poor dental care
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sunlight increasing risk of lip cancer
- Age & Gender: More common in men over 40
Treatment Overview
Treatment depends on the location, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common options include:
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected tissues
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs for advanced cases
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Advanced treatment options for specific cancers
- Rehabilitation & Supportive Care: To restore speech, chewing, and swallowing functions
