Oral Cancer

Causes

• Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking.
• HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus, particularly HPV-16.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially on the lips.
• Age: More common in people over 40.
• Diet: Poor nutrition.
• Genetics: Family history of cancer.
• Immune System: Weakened immune system.

Symptoms

• Mouth Sores: Persistent sores that do not heal.
• Lumps: Unusual lumps or thickening in the mouth or throat.
• Pain: Persistent pain in the mouth or ear.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Problems swallowing or chewing.
• Red or White Patches: Unexplained red or white patches in the mouth.
• Numbness: Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth.
• Voice Changes: Hoarseness or changes in the voice.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss.

Types

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Most common type, originating in the squamous cells
  lining the mouth and throat.
• Verrucous Carcinoma: A rare type of cancer that grows slowly and rarely spreads.
• Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas: Include several types of cancer that start in the
  salivary glands.

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination: Examining the mouth for abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of tissue for testing.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to determine the extent of cancer.
• Endoscopy: Using a thin, flexible tube to examine the throat.

Treatment

• Surgery: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissues.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific aspects of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer.
• Rehabilitation: Therapy to help with speech, swallowing, and chewing after treatment.

Prevention

• Avoid Tobacco: Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
• Limit Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Sun Protection: Use lip balm with SPF and avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine exams to detect early signs of oral cancer.
• HPV Vaccination: Protect against HPV-related cancers.