Mouth cancer is a type of malignant tumor, usually diagnosed by the dentist, that can appear in any structure of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks and even gums.This type of cancer is most common after age 50, but it can occur at any time.age, being more common in smokers and people with poor oral hygiene.
The most common symptoms include sores or sores that take time to heal, but pain around a tooth and persistent bad breath can also be warning signs.
- In case of suspected oral cancer.
- It is very important to consult a family doctor or dentist.
- To confirm the diagnosis and start treatment early.
- Thus increasing the chances of recovery.
Symptoms of oral cancer appear silently and, because there is no pain, it can take a long time for the person to seek treatment, with the disease being diagnosed, in most cases, at more advanced stages.Signs and symptoms of oral cancer vary depending on the degree of development of the disease, with the first signs:
However, in later stages, symptoms progress to
If these signs and symptoms of oral cancer persist for more than 2 weeks, it is recommended to consult a family doctor or dentist to assess the problem, perform the necessary tests and diagnose the disease, initiating appropriate treatment.
Oral cancer can occur due to a person’s habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection can cause oral manifestations, increasing the risk of developing oral cancer. A diet low in vitamins and minerals and prolonged sun exposure may also promote the development of oral cancer.Understand how each of these factors can cause oral cancer.
In most cases, your doctor can identify cancerous lesions by simply looking at your mouth, however, it’s common to order a biopsy of a small portion of your injury to identify if there are cancer cells.
If tumor cells are identified, your doctor may also order a CT scan to assess the degree of disease development and identify if there are other affected sites outside your mouth.Know which tests identify cancer.
Oral cancer can be caused by common situations such as smoking, including the use of a pipe, a cigar or even the act of chewing tobacco, as the smoke contains carcinogens, such as tar, benzopirenos and aromatic amines.The temperature in the mouth facilitates an aggression of the oral mucosa, making it even more exposed to these substances.
Excess alcoholic beverages are also linked to oral cancer, although it is not known exactly what causes it, it is known that alcohol facilitates the entry of ethanol residues, such as adehydes, through the lining of the mouth, promoting cellular changes.
Exposure to the sun of the lips, without adequate protection, such as lipsticks or balms with a sun protection factor, is also one of the factors that influence the development of lip cancer, which is very common in Brazil, and mainly affects fair-skinned people. who work in the sun.
In addition, HPV infection in the mouth area also appears to increase the risk of oral cancer and, therefore, to protect against this virus, it is necessary to use condoms even during oral sex.
Poor oral hygiene and the use of inadequate dentures are also factors that facilitate the development of oral cancer, but to a lesser extent.
To prevent mouth cancer, it is recommended to avoid all risk factors and have good oral hygiene habits, for this it is necessary:
In addition, it is recommended to try any changes in the teeth early and follow all the instructions of the dentist.It is important not to use another person’s dentures or mobile braces as they may cause stains.compromising the oral mucosa, facilitating the entry of harmful substances.
Oral cancer treatment may be done by surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.Choosing the best treatment is based on tumor location, severity, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.Learn more about how this type of cancer is treated.