Oral cancer is a uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. The oral cavity comprises mouth, lips, gums, teeth and the tongue, etc.
Causes of oral cancer
Causes of oral cancer are:
1. Tobacco
Tobacco causes oral cancer. Chewing tobacco products and smoking cigarettes are responsible for oral cancer. Tobacco products cause cheeks, gums or lip cancer whereas smoking causes mouth or throat cancers. The risk of oral cancer is depends on the frequency of smoking.
2. Alcohol
Regular consumption of alcohol causes oral cancer. The risk of cancer is more with the more consumption of alcohol. Most of the oral cancers are due to consumption of alcohol and chewing tobacco. The severity of oral cancer is more in patients who has a habit of smoking and consumption of alcohol.
3. UV radiation
More exposure of sun causes lip cancer. Lip cancer mostly affects lower lip as it is more exposed to sun than upper lip. This can be prevented by using photo protective lip balms and wearing hat. The cancer risk is more in patients of sun exposure with smoking habit.
4. HPV
HPV stands for Human papilloma virus. It is responsible for oral cancer.
5. Diet
Poor diet also responsible for oral cancer. Healthy balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of oral cancer.
6. History of head & neck cancer
If you have a history of head and neck cancer. The radiation on neck and head have chances of oral cancer.
7.Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is responsible for oral cancer. Improper brushing and flossing leads to oral problems. This also increases the chances of getting oral cancer. This can be reduced by maintaining oral hygiene.
8. Immuno suppressant Drugs
Candidate using immuno suppressant drugs increases the risk of oral cancer as these increases the sensitivity to UV ration.
9. Dentures
Improper fitting of dentures or improper cleaning of dentures irritates the mouth. If candidate with dentures chew tobacco products,some particles of it may remain on mouth and increases the risk of oral cancer.
10. Mouth washes
Frequent usage of mouth washes containing high alcoholic content causes oral cancer. Increased risk in frequent usage of mouth washes of candidates having a habit of smoking.
Symptoms of oral cancer:
- White or red color patches on mouth, lips, tongue that lasts for several days
- A sore on lip that does not heal
- Bleeding from lesion in oral cavity
- Irritation or pain on lesion
- Poor coordination among teeth
- Difficulty in swallowing and speaking
- Feeling of food stuck on throat
- Numbness on tongue
- Restrictions in jaw movements and tongue
- Lumps or tumors on mouth
- Thickening of the inner side of cheeks
- Difficulty in wearing dentures
