Detecting oral cancer in time can save your life, know its early symptoms. Everyone should know the early symptoms of oral cancer so that you can start your treatment without delay.
Oral cancer is a very dangerous condition that develops in the tissues of the mouth and throat. It affects your tongue, tonsils, gums and other parts of the mouth. However, with the advancement of technology, mouth cancer is being diagnosed early, due to which the mortality rate due to mouth cancer has decreased in the last 30 years. At the same time, the survival rate has also increased due to timely detection and treatment of this disease. Therefore, everyone should know the early symptoms of oral cancer so that you can start your treatment without delay.
Dr Akshat Malik, Consultant Head and Neck Oncosurgeon, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, has given many other information related to oral cancer along with telling the symptoms of oral cancer. So let’s know about it in more detail.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer (mouth cancer) is a broad term for cancer that affects the inside of your mouth. Oral cancer looks like a common problem of the lips or mouth, such as white patches or sores that bleed. The difference between a common problem and a potential cancer is that these changes don’t go away.
If left untreated, oral cancer can spread from your mouth and throat to other areas of your head and neck. About 63% of people with oral cavity cancer survive 5 years after diagnosis.
What causes oral cancer?
Oral cancer begins in the squamous cells in your oral cavity. Squamous cells are flat. Normal squamous cells become cancerous when their DNA changes and these cells begin to grow. Over time, these cancerous cells can spread to other areas inside your mouth and then to other areas of your head and neck or to other areas of your body.
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Do not ignore these early symptoms of oral cancer (symptoms of oral cancer)
1. Wounds: Sores or irritations in your mouth or throat that don’t heal. They may bleed easily, or appear as rough patches or scaly areas.
2. Spots: White or red spots appear inside your mouth that do not move over time.
3. Pain: You feel pain in your mouth that does not go away. If you experience pain or difficulty swallowing, opening your mouth or chewing for a long time, it could be a sign of cancer.
Other symptoms: A lump in your mouth, on your lip, on your neck, or in your throat, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty moving your jaw, numbness in your mouth, ear pain, chronic bad breath, or a hoarse voice all point to early symptoms of oral cancer.
Now know when there is a greater risk of oral cancer
excessive consumption of tobacco products
Smoking habit
Regular alcohol consumption
HPV patients have a higher risk of oral cancer
Protect your lips from sun exposure
Men have a higher risk of oral cancer
Long-term negligence towards oral hygiene also increases the risk of oral cancer.
Know the ways to prevent oral cancer (How to avoid oral cancer)
1. Avoid tobacco consumption: Quit smoking, chewing tobacco, snuff, and using pipes and cigars. Secondhand smoke can also increase your risk. The less you use tobacco, the lower your risk.
Also read: Oral Cavity Cancer: Smoking swag can become the cause of oral cancer for you
2. Limit alcohol consumption: Drink alcohol in as little quantity as possible. Slowly and gradually stop consuming it completely.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Eat fruits and vegetables daily. This provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals that prevent the growth of cancer cells.
4. Exercise daily: Do exercise for 30 minutes every day. Being overweight can increase the risk of cancer. Pay attention to diet for weight management and also exercise regularly for a proper time.
5. Give yourself protection from the sun: Limit your sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, and use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 at least before going out in the sun. Also, reapply them every two hours.
6.HPV vaccine is necessary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause certain types of oropharyngeal cancer. The CDC recommends that boys and girls get vaccinated at age 11 or 12.
7. Take care of oral hygiene: Clean your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush after every meal and before bedtime. You can also rinse your mouth with a homemade mouthwash made from warm water, salt, and baking soda.
8. Regular dental checkup is necessary: Dentists examine your mouth to check for any abnormalities that could be precancerous or cancerous.
9. Examine your mouth yourself: Check your mouth regularly and if you notice any unusual lumps or lumps, consult a doctor immediately.
Also read: According to this study, smoking is more harmful for women than men, know here how