Oral cancer

Oral cancer

Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth.

Causes

• Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70 - 80% of oral cancer cases.
• Heavy alcohol use
• Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings).

• Lesion, lump, or ulcer
• On tongue, check, upper and lower alveolus usually painless to start with.

• Physical examination
• Biopsy of the lesion

1. Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small .If the neck glands are involved or if the tumor is big the neck dissection will also be done.
2. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy – given depending upon the final histopathology report after operation.
3. Rehabilitation may include speech therapy or other therapy to improve movement, chewing, swallowing, and speech.

1. Approximately 50% of people with oral cancer will live more than 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. If the cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other tissues, the cure rate is nearly 75%.
2. Approximately 25% of people with oral cancer die because of delayed diagnosis and treatment.

• If you have a lesion of the mouth or lip or a lump in the neck that does not go away within 1 month.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer greatly increases the chances of survival.

• Correct the dental problems
• Avoid alcohol use.
• Avoid smoking or other tobacco use.
• Practice good oral hygiene.