Understanding Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the tissues in your mouth. It can develop on your lips, gums, tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth, throat, or tonsils. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcome.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• A sore on your lip or in your mouth that doesn't heal

• A lump or thick patch inside your mouth or throat

• White, red, or speckled patches in your mouth or throat

• Unexplained bleeding, pain, or numbness in your mouth or throat

• Chronic sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

• Hoarseness or a change in your voice

• Ear pain

• Swelling, pain, or stiffness in your jaw

• A lump in your neck

• A change in how your teeth fit together or loose teeth

• Dramatic weight loss

• Chronic bad breath

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult your dentist or doctor.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of oral cancer is not always clear, but certain factors can increase your risk:

• Smoking or using other tobacco products

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

• Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age

• A family history of cancer

• Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables

• Weakened immune system

According to the American Cancer Society, people assigned male at birth have a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those assigned female at birth.

Diagnosis and Staging

Your dentist will screen you for oral cancer during routine dental exams. If they find something suspicious, they may perform a biopsy to collect a tissue sample for further examination. Additional tests, such as endoscopy, imaging scans, and HPV testing, may be used to determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Oral cancer is staged using the TNM system, which considers the size of the tumor (T), whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body (M). The stage of the cancer helps guide treatment decisions and provides an estimate of the patient's prognosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for oral cancer may include:

• Surgery to remove the cancerous growth and surrounding tissue

• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells

• Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy to destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread

The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended. Palliative care may also be provided to help manage pain and other side effects of treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection

To reduce your risk of oral cancer:

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products

• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all

• Get vaccinated against HPV

• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

• Limit your sun exposure and use UV-protective lip balm

Regular dental check-ups and self-exams can help catch oral cancer early when it's most treatable. The American Dental Association recommends an oral cancer screening at least once a year starting at age 18.

If you notice any persistent changes in your mouth, such as sores, lumps, or discoloration, schedule an appointment with your dentist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection is key to successful treatment and improved survival rates. To learn more about oral cancer, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.