Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a rare disease. Is this disease dangerous? The answer is undoubtedly. Cancer of the oral mucosa is a big problem, which can deprive a person of life. Not only the smoker, but also one who has never smoked tobacco can get sick (however, the percentage of such patients is not high). Of course, the smokers are at risk. Oral cancer can cause even chewing tobacco.

Every year in our country is recorded about thirty thousand cases of the disease. The largest number of patients in Southeast Asia is about fifty thousand people a year.

The mucous membrane of the oral cavity suffers not only from tobacco, but also from alcohol. Drinking alcohol is an aggravating factor in this case.

Forms of the disease

Visually, it can take a variety of forms. Varieties can be divided into three large groups.

The ulcer form in this case is the most common - about half of all cases. With it, non-healing ulcers appear in the oral cavity , which very quickly increase in size.

With a nodular form, seals appear. In this case, the mucosa is covered with whitish spots or does not change at all. Seals, which were described above, have a very clear shape - like nodules. Grow quickly.

In papillary form, the tumor is a dense growth. It hangs in the mouth. This form of the disease can be treated more easily than those described above. This is due to the fact that the spread of the disease does not occur.

Oral Cancer: Symptoms

The pathological focus is considered the first sign of this disease. At the very onset of severe discomfort and painful sensations, oral cancer does not cause.

At the very beginning, the tumor usually appears on the tongue, on the salivary glands or on the inner surface of the cheeks. Do not confuse this disease with lip cancer. The second has more in common with skin cancer, although it can also occur due to smoking (especially smoking the tube).

At the beginning of the pain do not spread beyond the damaged area. They increase with the growth of the tumor. Over time, begin to give in the temple, ears. Patients can observe increased salivation, chewing and swallowing food, discomfort is felt, and in the course of time there will be an unpleasant smell from the mouth. Fetid breath indicates that the tumor has become infected. It can also indicate its disintegration.

Diagnosis of the disease

Often the disease is diagnosed by self-examination. True, in some cases this can be difficult. In general, it should be noted that only regular visits to the dentist makes it possible in time to recognize oral cancer and immediately take the necessary measures.

Having discovered the symptoms of the described disease, the specialist directs the potential patient to the maxillofacial surgeon or oncologist. In some cases, a biopsy is administered. Surgical intervention with her is not required, which means that a sample of tissue can be taken in a cabinet. A study should also be conducted for the presence of metastases.

Treatment of the disease

Early diagnosis is important, as it allows you to take urgent measures and prevent the progression of the disease. Minor lesions are surgically removed or treated with irradiation. Damaged areas of large sizes require combined treatment.

The best way to prevent this type of cancer, of course, is prevention - it is necessary to give up alcohol and tobacco in time.

Ulcer form is treatable most difficult. It is also the most unfavorable. The papillary form is treated much easier, the percentage of the recovered is indeed high.