Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects any part of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, or lips. The condition can occur in anyone, but the risk increases with age, typically being diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 70. The severity of the disease can vary depending on the type of cancer, its size, whether it has spread, and the overall health of the patient. Tobacco and alcohol use play a significant role among the causes of oral cancer. Harmful habits like smoking and drinking can damage oral tissues, increasing the likelihood of cancer. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can particularly raise the risk of lip cancer. Furthermore, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also contribute to the development of oral cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of oral cancer. If left untreated, oral cancer can spread through the mouth and throat to other areas of the head and neck. Treatment options include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. When diagnosed in the early stages, the success of treatment can be high. Therefore, individuals who notice abnormal changes in their mouths should seek medical attention. Avoiding risk factors such as smoking and alcohol is important for preventing oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that arises from uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues within the oral cavity. It typically develops in the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, and soft palate. Oral cancer may not show distinct symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as non-healing sores, bleeding, pain, and difficulty chewing may appear.
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer has some symptoms that can be confused with changes caused by other common oral conditions. Therefore, it can be challenging to diagnose the disease in its early stages. Some symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Non-healing sores in the mouth: One of the most common symptoms of oral cancer is open sores that do not heal for several weeks. These sores are usually painless but may sometimes bleed. The growth or color change of non-healing sores may indicate cancer. If such a sore is noticed, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.
- Swelling and lumps in the mouth: Individuals with oral cancer may develop hard swellings or lumps in the lips, gums, or inside the mouth. These swellings are often painless, like sores. The swellings can grow and lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing. Abnormal masses in the mouth typically occur in the area where cancer is developing.
- White or red patches in the mouth: One of the early signs of the condition is the formation of white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches in the mouth. These patches can be sensitive or painful and may grow over time. Since white or red patches can be a sign of a precancerous condition, it is important to seek medical attention for patches that persist for a long time.
- Pain and numbness: Persistent pain may be observed in the mouth or throat. In addition to pain, numbness or tingling may occur in the tongue, lips, and mouth area. These types of symptoms can negatively impact daily life by making chewing, speaking, and swallowing difficult.
- Jaw and dental problems: The condition can sometimes affect the jaw bones, leading to loosening or shifting of teeth. Difficulty fitting dental prosthetics or experiencing pain in the jaw may be a sign that cancer is progressing. Stiffness or limited movement in the jaw can also be observed as symptoms of the condition.
Diagnosis Methods for Oral Cancer
The doctor takes the patient’s history to gather information about symptoms and how long they have been present. After taking the medical history, a physical examination is performed. During the physical examination, the mouth, tongue, gums, lips, cheeks, and throat are carefully examined. The doctor looks for non-healing sores or color changes that may indicate oral cancer. The doctor also checks for any swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, as cancer may have spread. The physical examination provides the first clues about the presence of the disease and guides the doctor towards further tests. Some tests used in the diagnosis of oral cancer include:
- Biopsy: If a suspicious lesion is found during the physical examination, a biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample from the suspicious tissue and examining it under a microscope in the laboratory. The pathologist analyzes the tissue structure and abnormalities in the cells to confirm the presence of cancer.
- Imaging methods: Imaging techniques such as X-rays may be preferred to detect the spread and location of oral cancer. X-rays can evaluate whether the cancer is related to the jawbone or teeth. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues. These methods can also be used to determine whether the cancer has metastasized.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy may be performed to examine whether oral cancer exists in deeper regions of the body. In this method, the doctor advances a thin tube with a small camera and light source through the throat and vocal cords to obtain detailed images. Endoscopy is used to determine whether cancer has spread to the larynx or upper respiratory tract.
How is Oral Cancer Treated?
Treatment options often include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These methods can be applied alone or in combination. Some treatment methods for oral cancer include:
- Surgical intervention: One of the most common methods used for the treatment of oral cancer is surgical procedures. During surgery, the goal is to completely remove the tumor by excising the cancerous tissues along with the surrounding healthy tissues. Minimally invasive surgery may be preferred for small tumors, while larger tumors may require the removal of part of the jawbone or tongue. Reconstructive surgery may be performed postoperatively to replace missing tissues and restore functions.
- Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy rays to destroy cancerous cells. This treatment method is usually used for small tumors or to eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy is applied directly to the cancerous area to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
- Chemotherapy: In the treatment of oral cancer, chemotherapy is usually applied in advanced stages or in conjunction with other treatment methods. Chemotherapy drugs spread throughout the body and attack cancer cells, reducing the likelihood of cancer spreading to other organs. However, it may have side effects such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oral Cancer Dangerous?
Oral cancer is a dangerous disease. If treatment is delayed, it can affect the tissues in the mouth, the jawbone, and other vital structures. In advanced stages of cancer, the quality of life can significantly decrease.
At What Age Does Oral Cancer Occur?
Oral cancer is more commonly seen in individuals aged 50-70. However, it can also occur in younger individuals with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and HPV.
Where Does Oral Cancer Spread?
Oral cancer tends to spread primarily to the lymph nodes in the neck. In advanced stages, it can metastasize to the lungs, liver, and bones.
Does Oral Cancer Recur?
Oral cancer can recur. Regular doctor check-ups and lifestyle changes can reduce the likelihood of cancer reappearing.
Can Oral Cancer Heal on Its Own?
Oral cancer does not heal on its own and progresses rapidly if left untreated. If not detected and intervened in the early stages, it can lead to more serious complications.
How Do We Know If We Have Oral Cancer?
Symptoms of oral cancer include non-healing sores, swelling in the mouth, and pain. Difficulty swallowing and red patches in the mouth are also common symptoms (3).
How Long Does Oral Cancer Surgery Take?
The duration of oral cancer surgery varies depending on the size of the tumor and the degree of spread. It can typically take between 2 to 6 hours, but more extensive surgical procedures may take longer. Recovery and reconstruction processes after surgery may also require additional time.
Which Doctor Should We See for Oral Cancer?
For the treatment of oral cancer, individuals usually consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Dentists, oncologists, and surgeons may also be involved in the treatment process.
When Are Oral Sores Dangerous?
Oral sores that do not heal within a few weeks can be dangerous. Especially painless, bleeding, or sharply bordered sores may indicate oral cancer.
What Happens If Oral Cancer Progresses?
As oral cancer progresses, it can spread to surrounding tissues and organs, damaging vital structures such as the jawbone, tongue, and throat. It can metastasize to the lungs, liver, and other organs.
Oral Cancer Can Be Controlled with Early Diagnosis
If you notice sores, swellings, or color changes in your mouth that do not heal for a long time, it is crucial to consult a specialist without delay. Hisar Hospital Intercontinental offers comprehensive healthcare services in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer with experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists and a multidisciplinary approach.
Thanks to early diagnosis, the success of treatment significantly increases.
You can make an appointment from the Ear, Nose, and Throat Cancer Clinic for your oral and oral cavity health.
Do not postpone your health; early diagnosis saves lives.
