Oral cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, tonsils, salivary glands, and under the tongue. Oral cancer is also known as oral cavity cancer.

Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are all common risk factors for oral cancer. Early detection and screening may decrease oral cancer risk and severity.

Recognizing the Top 10 Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer symptoms can overlap with those of other diseases affecting the mouth and throat, such as:

• Neck swelling
• Unstable or shaky teeth
• Prolonged lip swelling and non-healing ulcers
• Difficulty or pain in swallowing
• Oral lumps
• Changes in speech patterns
• Oral bleeding or tingling sensation
• White or red lips, tongue, or gum spots
• Unintentional weight loss
• Ear pain

Also read: Negative Effect Of Smoking On Oral Health

Oral Cancer Diagnostic Tools

Consult a doctor or dentist immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms above. They will physically examine your mouth, throat, cheeks, ears, and eyes. They may also advise on the following series of examinations:

Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy, also known as endoscopy, is an oral cavity examination technique. An abnormal cell growth is detected by examining the nose, sinuses, larynx, and pharynx with a flexible tube during this procedure.

Biopsy

During the endoscopic procedure, it is also feasible to extract a small specimen of suspicious tissue for laboratory investigation. The biopsy results will be used to determine the specific type of cancer cells and their characteristics.

Also read: How To Prevent Oral Cancer

X-ray

X-ray imaging of the head and neck can be used to assess the presence of cancer cells in the jaw, lungs, or chest.

Scanning

Scans such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be recommended to find the precise location, stage, and extent of metastasis of cancer cells to other regions of the body.

Early detection can lead to a full recovery for some patients with oral cancer. There are a lot of variables that affect the oral cancer cure rate, including the stage of the cancer, type of cancer, and response to treatment.

Treatment for oral cancer, similar to other forms of cancer, may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and consultation regarding your complaints and treatment strategy. Effective patient-physician collaboration and strategic planning can significantly enhance patient conditions and help overcome difficulties during treatment.

If you have concerns about oral cancer, our health consultation services provide an opportunity to consult with our doctors through the Ai Care application. You can easily download this app from the App Store or Play Store.

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