Oral cancer can happen to anyone.

Oral cancer can happen to anyone.

Oral Cancer is a disease that can happen to anyone. This disease can cause the quality of life and quality of life to deteriorate. If a wound occurs in the mouth and symptoms are not closely monitored, combined with neglect and not receiving treatment in a timely manner, the wound that is seen may be oral cancer. 

What causes oral cancer? 

  • Genetics: If someone in your family has a history of oral cancer, you may be at increased risk of developing the disease.
  • Smoking cigarettes , cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco because the toxins in cigarettes and tobacco can stimulate cells in the mouth and develop into cancer.
  • Regular alcohol consumption can irritate the lining of the mouth and may increase the risk of cancerous cells, especially when combined with smoking.
  • Human Papilloma Virus ( HPV ) infection, because some strains of HPV may be associated with oral cancer. 
  • Chronic irritation in the mouth, such as ill-fitting dentures, cracked or chipped teeth, or chronic inflammation in the mouth, etc. 
  • Lack of nutrients such as vitamins A, C or E can cause a patient to have a weak immune system.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer? 

  • A sore occurs in the mouth, similar to a canker sore, and does not heal within 2-3 weeks. 
  • Unexplained pain, numbness, or bleeding from the mouth
  • There is a lump, swelling, or sore inside the mouth and throat.
  • Chewing food and swallowing becomes more difficult.
  • Unexplained abnormal weight loss

Stages of Oral Cancer

  • Stage 1: Small lumps, no spread at this stage.
  • Stage 2: Cancer has spread to nearby organs.
  • Stage 3: The tumor is larger and has spread to nearby organs. Including lymph nodes in the neck. 

Oral cancer risk groups

  • People who regularly drink alcohol and smoke 
  • People who have a family history of oral cancer
  • Adults aged 40 years and over
  • People who are malnourished
  • Professionals who are required to be outdoors or exposed to the sun without protection 

Diagnosis

  • Initial physical examination 
  • A piece of tissue is cut off and sent for laboratory examination.
  • Fine-needle aspiration is similar to a blood test in that the doctor uses a small needle to draw a sample of cells and fluid from the lump to check for cancer cells. 
  • Nasal endoscopy when there are suspicious cells in the throat, nose 
  • Laryngoscopy: A doctor inserts a flexible camera into the mouth or nose to examine the area behind the nasal cavity and larynx. 
  • Radiological imaging examinations such as MRI, X-ray, and CT-Scan, etc.