One of the biggest health challenges of the 21st century is CANCER. The word itself sends a chill down the spine. Early detection is one of the best ways to combat this dreadful disease.
The cancers develop silently inside the human body for years before cancerous cells show any symptoms. Amongst the most common types of cancer is oral cancer.
Oral cancer also often remains undiagnosed till it reaches an advanced stage. In this article, we provide you with all the information required around the care and cure of oral cancer.
What are the most common symptoms of oral cancer?
Precaution is always better than the cure. Be watchful of every small change or symptom you notice within your buccal-cavity and the area around your mouth.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Sudden swelling or thickening or lumps or bumps on the lips, gums, cheek, and mouth
- Sore or rough spots in the inner lining of the mouth that doesn’t go away within 2 weeks
- Velvety white or red patches in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness or loss of feeling along with pain/tenderness within the oral cavity
- A feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Persistent pain while moving jaws or tongue
- Sore throat with change or hoarseness in the voice
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
These are a few warning signals that need to be addressed immediately. Never take anything casually, even if it’s not causing any harm or discomfort.
A person, who plays the most important role for the sustenance of the best of your health, is YOU. So stay watchful and be active in maintaining the best of health and detecting cancer early. Remember to self-examine yourself every month.
How to self-examine yourself?
Self-examination is easy and simple and can be done at home by following simple steps:
- Wide-open your mouth and place 4 fingers within the opening. Try to do that for at least 10 seconds.
- Open your mouth wide and examine the skin health inside with the help of a mirror and bright light. Check for discolouration or patchy areas inside the oral cavity and throat.
- Feel your lips, upper and lower palate, gums, cheeks, and jaws for any lumps, outgrowths, or sores.
- Pull out your tongue and take a close look at all the surfaces. Roll in up and down to check for any pain or discomfort.
- Place your fingers gently on both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw to feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately take a dental appointment and ask your dentist for complete screening.
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Also, head and neck cancers mostly develop in the squamous cells found in your mouth, tongue, and lips.
What are the major causes of oral cancer?
Cancerous growth in the human body is mainly related to increased levels of chemicals and pollutants in our food, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. So, you need to take extra care of all these consumables to reduce their harsh effect on the body.
For oral cancers, the common risk factors are as follows:
Consumption of tobacco products: Tobacco and related products are the biggest cause of oral cancer worldwide. Regular tobacco use doubles the chances of oral cancers in the cheek, gums, and lips lining.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes always adds to the risk of oral cancer. There is a warning on every cigarette pack that says, Smoking is injurious to health and may cause cancer.
Alcoholism: As per medical researchers, excessive consumption of alcohol can put you at risk of developing oral cancer.
Gene and genetics: If you have a family history of cancer, it is recommended to be extra careful.
Exposure to UV rays: Having too much sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause lip cancers.
Age factor: Oral cancer often remains undiagnosed for several years. In some cases, it is detected after 50 years of age. Still, its occurrences at a young age cannot be ruled out.
Gender: Oral cancer is more common in males than females. It might be linked to the fact that males enjoy smoking and drinking more.
Poor diet: Not having enough phytonutrients and essential vitamins in diet often leads to deficiencies that cause cell malfunctioning, leading to cancer.
What are the precautions to take to avoid oral cancer?
It is always good to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. This means that we should focus on preventative healthcare.
Here are some important tips to follow to reduce your chances of oral cancer.
1. Early diagnosis is very important for effectively treating oral cancer. So, it is recommended to have an appointment with your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and oral inspection.
2. Avoid alcohol if you want to keep oral cancers away. Medical researchers approve consuming 2-Drinks a day, but excessive alcohol consumption is not recommended.
3. People who smoke tobacco and drink more often are at greater risk of mouth cancer. Notably, tobacco consumption is related to several other cancers as well.
4. Maintain good dental hygiene and healthy habits, such as:
- Brush teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day
- Clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth
- Floss daily
- Stay hydrated
- Use soft toothbrush
- Eat healthy, cancer-fighting foods
5. Improve nutrition and consume a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the recommended food items that are helpful in fighting and preventing cancers are:
- Consume all kinds of berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, etc.) as they have high antioxidants and vitamins.
- Fish and seafood have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which helps prevent cancer and periodontal disease.
- Cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage, have cancer-preventive properties.
- Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C. Consuming such fruits in moderate amounts is useful to avoid oral cancers.
Now that you know the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods of oral care, it is time to form some basic health and hygiene habits to keep your oral health in check.
For more information, or to book an appointment, please get in touch with us today!