One of the deadliest conditions of our time, cancer has the potential to attack various parts of the body, including the mouth, gums, and throat. A disease in which abnormal cells mutate and damage the otherwise healthy tissue of the body, oral cancer comes in various forms. In fact, cancer reaches an astonishing portion of the national and global population. About 500,000 new cases of pharyngeal and oral cancers are diagnosed around the world each year, according to the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences. Those who have a higher propensity of having oral cancer include:
- Adults over the age of 55
- People who smoke or chew tobacco
- Those who consume alcohol excessively
- Those who are overexposed to sunlight on a regular basis
- People with a certain type of the Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- People with a compromised immune system
But what exactly is oral cancer, and how do we protect ourselves from its devastating impact?
Types of Oral Cancer
More than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This form of cancer appears as an abnormality of the cells inside the mouth and on the gums. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include ulcers; red and white plaques; pain in the ears, mouth, or face; discomfort while swallowing; coughing and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Though affecting a smaller volume of the population, verrucous carcinomas is another type of cancer made of squamous cells. However, this type of cancer progress more slowly and is less likely to spread to other areas of the body. On the other hand, verrucous carcinomas may grow in the tissue around the original site. Studies show that 5 percent of oral cavity tumors are verrucous carcinomas.
Other less common oral cancers include minor salivary carcinomas and lymphomas. Salivary carcinomas develop in the salivary glands inside the lining of the mouth and throat. Lymphomas are various types of cancer that originate in the lymphoid tissue at the base of the tongue and tonsils–they attack the body’s immune system.
Physicians also consider non-cancerous tumors as a condition to monitor, as some benign tumors can turn into cancer over time. Your dentist will examine and track changes in any abnormal lesions or tumors inside the mouth.
Oral Cancer Prevention & Treatment
With cancer of all kinds nearing the top of the list as one of the fatal diseases, we must be diligent in protecting our oral hygiene. Thus, it’s wise to adopt healthy practices such as eating more nourishing foods with a hearty dose of fruits and vegetables.
Depending on its level of severity, oral cancer may require treatment through surgery and/or radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be necessary. Considering all the factors, early detection of oral cancer is imperative to the success rate of treatment. So if you suspect something out of the ordinary, it’s best to have it checked out immediately. Examine your mouth every month and notify your dentist if you see or feel something abnormal. Have more questions about oral cancer prevention and awareness? Let’s chat!