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What is Oral Cancer(Mouth cancer)?
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer is a tumor which develops in any part of the oral cavity.
Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer:
The most common presentation of mouth cancer is an ulcer which doesn't heal and persist for more than 3 weeks.
Other signs and symptoms: persisting white or red patches, a lump in the mouth, numbness of the tip of tongue or lower lip, lump in the neck, difficulty in chewing, speaking or swallowing.In case of any of the above findings, consult your doctor immediately.Mouth cancer can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.
Causes of Mouth Cancer:
Mouth cancer is multi factorial.
Some of the commonest causes include: smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, chewing betel quid (paan), long-term use of mouthwashes, poor diet and nutrition(lack of fruits and green vegetables), people with conditions associated with weak immune system, Human Papilloma Virus(HPV).
Note:
Having one or more of these factors doesn't mean you will get cancer. Also, absence of these factors doesn't necessarily mean you will not get cancer
Oral cancer screening:
Means looking for oral precancerous and cancerous lesions before symptoms develop.Visual examination can prove to be a useful oral cancer screening method.
Diagnostic tests for Mouth cancer:
Your GP or Consulting doctor may prescribe a number of tests if they suspect cancer.
The following tests may be advised for you:
Nasal endoscopy ( watch this to know more)- A nasendoscopy is done to look into the back of mouth, nose and throat.
Biopsy- Your doctor will take a sample of cells or tissue from the abnormal area. This sample will then be examined by a pathologist (specializes in analyzing cells) under microscope to look for cancer cells. Click here
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the lymph nodes (lump) in the neck.Know more
Imaging like CT Scan or MRI may be advised in cases of advanced cancer (which has spread).
Treatment of Mouth Cancer:
Oral cancer is fairly common and is treatable if identified at an early stage.
Surgery is the main treatment in case of early stage cancer and has the high chance of cure.
In case of advanced cancer(which has spread), you will need surgery, radiotherapy and medical treatment for about 4-6 months.
However, these available treatment options have severe side effects as well.
Know more about Oral cancer
Oral cancer can be prevented to an extent
UPCOMING EVENTS
April
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Smoking Kills
SAY NO TO TOBACCO
OUR MISSION
We are committed to the Research & Development in finding new ways to combat cancer so that more and more patients can benefit in the future.....
Millions of people suffer from oral cancer across the globe. We aim to help them by using our scientific knowledge and global reach.....