Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer or oral cavity cancer, refers to cancer that develops in various parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth. It falls under the category of head and neck cancers and shares similar treatment approaches with other cancers in this category.
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:
Non-healing lip or mouth sores
White or reddish patches inside the mouth
Loose teeth
Growth or lump in the mouth
Mouth or ear pain
Difficulty or pain while swallowing
Causes: Mouth cancers develop when cells in the lips or mouth undergo mutations in their DNA. These mutations cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The exact cause of these mutations is unclear, but certain factors increase the risk of mouth cancer, including:
Tobacco use in any form, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
Heavy alcohol use
Excessive sun exposure to the lips
Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Weakened immune system
Diagnosis: To diagnose mouth cancer, doctors perform various tests and procedures, including:
Physical exam: Your doctor or dentist examines your lips and mouth for any abnormalities, such as sores or white patches.
Tissue biopsy: If a suspicious area is found, a sample of cells is removed for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of cancer or precancerous changes.
Staging tests: Once mouth cancer is diagnosed, further tests are conducted to determine the stage of the cancer. These tests may include endoscopy to examine the throat and imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan.
Treatment: The treatment for mouth cancer depends on the location, stage, overall health, and personal preferences of the patient. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Often, a combination of these treatments is used.
Surgery: This involves removing the tumor and nearby healthy tissue. It may also involve neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes and reconstructive surgery to rebuild the mouth.
Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. It can be administered externally or internally through radioactive seeds or wires.
Chemotherapy: Chemical drugs are used to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy.
Targeted drug therapy: Drugs are used to target specific aspects of cancer cells to inhibit their growth. Cetuximab is one example.
Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer by interfering with the cancer cells’ ability to evade the immune response.
It’s important to discuss the treatment options with your doctor to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific case