Facts about Oral Cancer

A person is said to have oral cancer when the cancerous tumor begins to develop in the oral cavity or mouth. One of the facts about oral cancer is that, it may interfere with one's ability to talk, breathe, chew, eat or swallow. The oral cancer can be examined easily. If diagnosed in early stages, it’s likely to treat successfully. As per studies and researches, it is found that the majority of the patients with oral cancer are men. Women are comparatively less prone to develop this cancer.

Oral cancer causes and risk factors

Some key facts about oral cancer states that some people may develop this disease although they do not have any of the risk factors, while some with a lot of risk factors are not prone to this disease. Risk factors that may elevate one’s possibility of developing oral cancer:

Tobacco: About 90 percent of oral cancer patients are tobacco users. The risk of getting oral cancer increases with the amount of tobacco snuffed, chewed or smoked. The possibilities of developing oral cancer are six times greater in smokers than non smokers.

Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol along with smoking greatly increases the risk of developing oral cancer. About 80 percent of oral cancer patients are smokers and drinkers. Combination of alcohol and cigarette is toxic.

Poor nutrition: A diet low in nutritious food (vegetables, fruits and legumes) may elevate one’s prospects of getting cancer as poor diet damages the immune system.

HPV infection (Human papillomavirus): The recent studies revealed that HPV may contribute to development of oral cancer in nearly 20 percent of people.

Age: There are possibilities of getting oral cancer as you age. As per studies, majority of patients with oral cancer are men above 40 years.

Direct exposure to UV radiations: Over 30 percent of patients with lip cancer have outdoor occupation linked with direct prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Key symptoms that may indicate oral cancer involves:

• Thickening of cheeks due to lumps
• Painful sore in mouth that persists for long
• Difficulty in chewing, eating and swallowing
• Voice alterations
• Development of red or white spots on the tongue, gums,
• lining of the mouth and tonsil
• Difficulty in jaw movement
• Loosening of teeth and pain around jaw and teeth
• Abnormal weight loss
• Mass or lump in the neck area
• Unrelenting bad breath
• Numbness in the oral cavity

Although most of these symptoms mimic other conditions, still they need to be reported to the doctor immediately. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.