Mouth canc3r is a type of canc3r of the throat and head and is often treated as such. Mouth canc3r mostly happens after the age of 40, and men are more prone to it than women. A total of 77,003 new cases of mouth canc3r have been recorded in India this year, and 52,067 people have passed away.
Oral canc3r is often spotted when it has already spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, but if detected early, the risk of d3ath is much lower. The different types of mouth canc3r include lip canc3r, tongue canc3r, inner cheek canc3r, gum canc3r, and canc3r of the lower part of the mouth. It is recommended to visit a dentist as soon as any symptoms appear, and according to experts, one should get their mouth checked by a doctor at least twice a year.
Symtoms
In the early stages, mouth canc3r often goes forgotten as it may not show clear symptoms. However, individuals who smoke or drink regularly should make it a priority to have their mouth checked routinely.
The common symptoms of oral canc3r include a non-healing blister on the lips or mouth, enlargement or swelling in the mouth, bleeding, loose teeth, difficulty swallowing or mouth pain, a sudden lump in the neck, earache, unexplained weight loss, numbness in the lips, face, neck, or chin, red or white patches on the lips or mouth, throat pain, dry mouth, jaw stiffness or pain, and tongue pain.
The main reasons of mouth canc3r are smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes), tobacco use in any form, and heavy alcohol consumption. The stages of mouth canc3r are as follows:
- Stage 1 – The tumor is under 1 inch in size and has not reached the lymph nodes;
- Stage 2 – The tumor is between 1 and 2 inches and has still not spread to lymph nodes;
- Stage 3 – The tumor is more than 2 inches or is smaller but has spread to nearby lymph nodes;
- Stage 4 – Canc3r has spread extensively to surrounding tissues, lips, lymph nodes, or distant organs.
Treatment
The stage determines treatment options and the likelihood of a cure. Treatments include surgery, where the tumor is surgically got rid of and the affected area is reconstructed using pedicle or free flap methods.
Radiation therapy applies technology such as External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy to target canc3r cells. Chemotherapy involves using anticanc3r drugs, often mixed with radiation, to remove canc3r cells at multiple stages.
Targeted drug therapy centers directly on canc3r cells, blocking their growth and removing them, often in blender with chemotherapy or radiation.
Key facts about mouth canc3r include: 80% of cases are related to tobacco use; the average age of diagnosis is 50; men are more affected than women, and risk increases with age.
If symptoms are noticed and treated early, the survival rate is around 82%; if diagnosed late, the survival rate drops to about 27%.
In conclusion, any signs of mouth canc3r should be solved immediately. Unfortunately, many people in India ignore oral health, which causes avoidable diseases. Regular dental visits and oral hygiene are crucial for prevention and early detection.
