Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that damage the surrounding tissue and prevent the normal functioning of the body. When there is such a growth in the mouth in the form of lesions or sores that do not go away, it is most likely a case of oral cancer. This condition can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early.
1. What are the parts of the body that oral cancer affects?
Cancer that affects the cheeks, the floor of the mouth, the tongue, the sinuses, soft and hard palate, and throat is considered as oral cancer. It refers to only those cases where the cancer has started in the mouth, and not cases wherein it has spread to the mouth.
2. What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of oral cancer:
If you notice any of these changes, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
3. Who is more susceptible to oral cancer?
According to research, men are twice as likely to have oral cancer than women. Aside from this, fair skin has also been linked to higher chances of developing the condition.
Listed below are some other popular risk factors of oral cancer.:
4. How is oral cancer diagnosed?
It is usually the dentist who diagnoses oral cancer while examining the mouth as part of one’s dental routine. The dentist will check for lumps or tissues that are irregular in the head, face, neck, and oral cavity. If there are any suspicious-looking regions, a biopsy is conducted accordingly. The results of the biopsy help determine if one has oral cancer.
5. What are the types of oral cancer?
Based on the diagnosis and stage of the disease, there are a few types of oral cancer:
6. How is oral cancer treated?
Oral cancer treatment is similar to that of other cancer treatments. The treatment is decided based on the stage of cancer and the oral cancer types. The cancerous cells are removed via surgery, after which chemotherapy or radiation therapy is performed to destroy the cancer cells remaining.
7. Is mouth cancer curable?
Oral cancer is a fairly common type of cancer that can be cured easily with the right treatment and provided the diagnosis was timely.
8. What if cancer is left untreated?
Cancer, if left untreated, metastasizes and forms new tumors in other parts of the body. These gradually prevent the organs from carrying out their functions, leading to fatal results. Different types of oral cancer have different rates of spreading, but all of them are dangerous if left untreated.
9. What is the survival rate for those with oral cancer?
The 1-year survival rate for patients with pharynx or oral cavity cancer is 81%. The 5-year survival rate is 56%. And the 10-year survival rate is 46%. The oral cancer types, stages health history, and diagnosis are factors that determine the survival rate. If the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, the survival rate is higher.