Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer in its very early stages, can be almost invisible making it easy to ignore. If it is detected at an early stage, it can be easily treated. It becomes thus very important to identify it in its very early stage, which can be done by doing self-examination regularly.

Here are some early symptoms:

1. If there is a lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in the mouth.

2. If there is a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.

3. If you have difficulty in swallowing.

4. If there is a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks.

5. If you have difficulty in chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.

6. If you feel numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.

7. If you feel that something is caught in the throat.

8. If you see some swelling in the neck persisting for more than three weeks.

9. If you have chronic sore throat or hoarseness persisting more than six weeks.

10. If there is swelling in the jaw that is causing denture to fit poorly and becoming uncomfortable.

Bacteria that routinely lurk in the mouth cause tooth decay and gum disease. Any form of tobacco taken through the mouth, whether smoked or chewed, increases the risk of mouth cancer.

Frequent use of strong drinks like whisky will also increase the risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach and pancreas cancer.

If you have poor mouth hygiene, you can be at risk of cancer.

Ill-fitting dentures irritate the gum lining and trap debris. This can lead to mouth cancer overtime.

Infections such as Syphilis and some viruses can also lead to cancer.

Other reason for cancer can be lowered immunity and history of cancer.

If mouth cancer is in its early stages, it cam be treated with the use of laser. But if it spreads to other parts of the body, it is treated through chemotherapy.
Oral cancer is dangerous and extremely disfiguring.

Men are affected twice as often as women.

Complications after operation include postoperative disfigurement of the face, head and neck. As for radio therapy it includes dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing.

Regular dental check ups can help a lot in this case.