Oral Cancer – Symptoms & Treatment

Oral cancer can spread to the mouth and the back of the throat. On the tongue, the skin covering the mouth, the gums, the region beneath the tongue, at the bottom of the tongue, and in the region of the neck at the rear of the mouth, oral cancers can form.

About 53,000 new cases of oral cancer, or 3% of all malignancies diagnosed each year in the United States, are oral cancer. More than twice as many men as women are affected by oral cancer, which most frequently affects adults over the age of 40. The human papilloma virus (HPV) or alcohol usage (or both) are the main risk factors for oral cancer.

Symptoms

• A lip or mouth pain that would not go away
• Anyplace in your mouth, there is a growth or bulk
• Your mouth is bleeding
• Tooth loss
• Ache or trouble swallowing
• Wearing dentures uncomfortably
• You have a neck lump
• Having a persistent earache
• A dramatic decrease in weight
• Also, numbness on the chin, neck, lower lip, or face
• Patches in or around your mouth or lips that are white, red, or red and white
• Throat discomfort
• A sore or painful jaw
• Tongue ache

Some of these signs and symptoms, such as a sore throat or an earache, might be signs of other illnesses. Visit your dentist or doctor as soon as you can if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or you experience more than one at once.

Treatment of Oral Cancer

Depending on the kind, location, and stage of the disease at diagnosis, many treatments are available for oral cancer.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the tumor and malignant lymph nodes is typically the first line of treatment in the early stages. Also, it’s possible to remove more tissue from the mouth and neck.

Radiation Therapy

Another alternative is radiation treatment. For two to eight weeks, a doctor will direct radiation beams to the tumor once or twice per day, five days a week.  In the late stages, there is the utilization of Chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy

It is a form of medicine useful to treat cancer. You can get the medication by mouth or through an intravenous (IV) line. The majority of patients receive chemotherapy as outpatients, even if some require hospitalization.

Targeted Therapy

Another type of therapy is targeted therapy. Both the early and late stages of cancer can benefit from it. Drugs used in targeted treatment will attach to certain proteins on cancer cells and prevent the proliferation of the cancer cells.

Nutrition

A crucial component of your therapy for oral cancer is nutrition. Numerous medications that make it uncomfortable or challenging to chew and swallow frequently have side effects that include poor dietary habits and weight loss.

Also, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your diet. You may create a meal that will be easy on your mouth and throat while still giving your body the calories, vitamins, and minerals it requires to heal by consulting a nutritionist.

Maintaining the Health of Your Mouth

Lastly, maintaining good oral health while receiving cancer therapy is an essential component of care. Also, maintain a moist mouth as well as clean teeth and gums.

The Bottom Line

A severe condition called oral cancer can be effectively treated if detected at an early stage. Try to visit your dentist twice a year, and set aside time to conduct a monthly self-exam. One of the most effective strategies for avoiding oral cancer is to prevent from using tobacco products. Cancer diagnoses may be terrible. However, keep in mind that you do not have to go it alone. Furthermore, consult your medical professionals about techniques to use when telling friends and family about your oral cancer.