Definition, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
- Oral cancer is a cancer of the lining of the lips, mouth, or upper throat.
- It often starts as a painless white patch in the mouth that thickens and develops red patches, ulcers, and continues to grow.
- On the lips, it appears as a persistent crusting ulcer that does not heal and slowly grows.
- Other symptoms include difficult or painful swallowing, new lumps or bumps in the neck, swelling in the mouth, or numbness in the mouth or lips.
- Diagnosis is made through a biopsy of the concerning area.
- Additional investigations include CT scan, MRI, and PET scan to determine the extent of the cancer.
- Examination is done to check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Oral cancer is a subgroup of head and neck cancers.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
- Tobacco and alcohol use are significant risk factors for oral cancer.
- Those who use both alcohol and tobacco have a 15 times greater risk compared to non-users.
- HPV infection is another risk factor for oral cancer.
- Chewing paan, a mixture of betel leaf and areca nut, increases the risk.
- Sun exposure on the lower lip is also a risk factor.
Prevention and Treatment of Oral Cancer
- Oral cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol use.
- Sun protection on the lower lip is recommended.
- HPV vaccination and avoidance of paan can also help prevent oral cancer.
- Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
- The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and spread of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.
Global Statistics on Oral Cancer
- In 2018, oral cancer affected approximately 355,000 people worldwide and caused 177,000 deaths.
US Statistics on Oral Cancer
- Between 1999 and 2015, the rate of oral cancer in the United States increased by 6%.
- During the same period, deaths from oral cancer decreased by 7%.
- The incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer remain significant public health concerns.
- Awareness, early detection, and access to appropriate treatment are essential in reducing the impact of oral cancer.
Oral cancer Data Sources
Reference | URL |
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Glossary | https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/oral-cancer |
Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_cancer |
Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1143025 |
Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/025hkl |