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Oral cancer refers to any kind of cancer that develops in the mouth, including the lips, the gums and the tongue. Most oral cancers begin either in the tongue or the floor of the mouth, but they can spread further into the mouth and to other parts of the body, including the neck and lungs.
Oral cancer can be life-threatening, and it’s important to be aware of its risks. You are more at risk of developing oral cancer if you use tobacco, either by smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or just by chewing it. Tobacco is thought to be the primary cause of many oral cancers.
People who drink alcohol are also more at risk than those who don’t, especially those who do not exercise proper moderation in their drinking. If you have a personal history of head and neck cancer, which is any cancer that develops in the head and neck area, you may also be more likely to develop oral cancer.
It’s important to detect oral cancer early to prevent it from spreading through the lymph nodes. Your dentist should check your mouth for cancer during your usual check-ups, and you can keep an eye out for its symptoms yourself.
White and red patches inside your mouth are a common sign of oral cancer. Other indications might include earache, pain when swallowing, and blood in the mouth. If you have any of these, you should see your dentist immediately.
Oral cancer can often be confirmed and diagnosed after a small tissue sample is taken. Your dentist or doctor will then find out what stage your cancer is in, and take an appropriate course of action. Depending on how advanced the cancer is, treatment could involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.
Oral cancer is a serious and deadly illness, and all precautions should be taken to prevent it. If you see anything that might be indicative of oral cancer, see your dentist in London immediately.