About Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, is a cancerous tumor that originates inside the mouth and upper throat cavity. Mouth cancer will be diagnosed in 34,000 patients in the United States in 2008. Left untreated, mouth cancer will spread to other parts of the body including the neck, head and lungs. Mouth cancer can be fatal.
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History
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Understanding the natural succession of mouth cancer is the key for diagnosing and treating mouth lesions before they become cancerous. All mouth cancers go through a predetermined change from normal tissue and cells to cancer tissue and cells. Tissue and cells that have changed from normal and have not become cancerous are called pre-cancer tissue or cells. If these pre-cancerous lesions are discovered and removed, mouth cancer will not develop. Mouth cancer involves cells changing from normal to hyperplasia to dysplasia to neoplasia before changing to cancer.
Types
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There are two types of mouth cancers which are in relationship to the tumor location. Tumors that are found in the mouth and oral cavity are called primary tumors, while mouth cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is called metastatic tumors. Both are treated as mouth cancers. At a cellular level the vast majority of mouth cancer originates in the flat squamous cells of the tongue or the lining of the oral cavity. This type of cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. Other types found occasionally in the mouth are adenocarcinoma, lymphoma and melanoma. Tissue type of a mouth cancer will dictate the treatment.
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Identification
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Due to the location within the oral cavity, mouth cancer is rather difficult to identify by a person until it becomes large enough to be felt. It is difficult for a person to visually inspect their own oral cavity in its entirety. Dentists have assumed the responsibility of inspecting the oral cavity and identifying any possible mouth cancer during dental visits. They visually and manually inspect the oral cavity for signs of any abnormalities. These abnormalities include discoloration of the tissue, inflammation (swelling) ulcerations and abnormal growths.
Effects
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Mouth cancer affects the local area of the mouth and upper throat by interfering with the normal functions like chewing, swallowing and even breathing. Mouth cancer will have an effect on the nutritional intake due to the tumor itself or the surgical removal of it. People who are unable to swallow due to mouth cancer will be tube fed to maintain nutritional intake needed to live. Surgical removal of mouth cancer will leave a disfigurement of the oral cavity and possibly the face. When mouth cancer has progressed to other parts of the body it will have an effect on other organs and body tissue by destroying its function. Finally, mouth cancer can cause death.
Prevention/Solution
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Prevention of mouth cancer is closely related to lifestyle and oral hygiene. Refraining from associated risk factors, including smoking and tobacco use and alcohol abuse, will help prevent mouth cancer. Regular dental checkups will detect any mouth cancer in its early stages that will minimize the treatment and maximize the chances of cure. Treatment for mouth cancer found early can be simple excision of the lesion. When the mouth cancer is progressed, the treatment is more involved. Treatment for progressed mouth cancer will include surgical excision, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
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