Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that develops in any part of the mouth, areas where cancerous cells or tumors are seen in the gums, sides of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and under the tongue. Mouth cancers begin as a small, flat cell that are found in the lining of the mouth and the cancerous cells grow deeper into other tissues. Mouth cancer is classified into 0 to IV stages.
Cancer that happens on the inside of the mouth is called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. Mouth cancer belongs to the group in the category called head and neck cancers and the treatment is similar. If you want to be prepared with what to do if this condition is suspected, read here.
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer
- A sore that is found inside the mouth, on the gums or in the lips that do not heal which causes bleeding and they change in size.
- Thickening of the skin or a lump in the cheek
- Presence of red/white patches in the mouth, on the tongue or on the gums. These patches change in appearance and size.
- The teeth are becoming painful, dentures that no longer fit properly, pain when swallowing and numbness when moving the tongue and in the mouth.
- Experiencing bad breath even with good oral hygiene, like brushing, flossing and regular use of mouthwash and also there is changes in the voice.
Causes of mouth cancer
Mouth cancer happens when cells on the lips or in the mouth develops changes or mutations in their DNA. These mutations will allow cancer cells to grow and divide when the cells that are healthy die. A developing mouth cancer can form into a tumor and can spread to the areas of the mouth, head and the neck or to other parts of the body.
Factors that can increase the risk of acquiring mouth cancer include excessive exposure of the lips to the sun, excessive use of alcohol, excessive use of tobacco. A sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) can also increase the risk of acquiring this condition.
Treatment and home remedies
- Quit smoking or chewing of tobacco products
- Stop drinking alcohol especially when combined with smoking in order to help reduce the risk of a second cancer.
- People undergoing radiation therapy for cancer experiences fatigue. Some therapies that can help the patient cope with fatigue like doing a moderate exercises for at least 30 minutes like brisk walking, during and after cancer treatment which helps reduces fatigue. Another way is have some relaxation technique like listening to music or writing in a journal.
Preventing mouth cancer
In order to prevent a person from acquiring mouth cancer is by avoiding tobacco and its products, whether smoked or chewed. In doing so, it exposes the cells found in the mouth to cancer-causing chemicals. It is also vital to minimize drinking alcohol at least one to two drinks a day only.
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in order to help reduce the risk of mouth cancer. Protect the skin of the lips from excessive exposure to the sun by wearing broad-brimmed hats that effectively give shade to the entire face and visit the dentist regularly.