Oral cancer covers any type of cancer that forms in the mouth---including the gums---on the lips or in portions of the throat. This type of cancer is usually a squamous cell carcinoma and spreads quickly. Around 35,000 Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis each year, and about 7,500 deaths occur from the disease annually, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Risk Factors
Between 70 and 80 percent of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer use tobacco, according to MedlinePlus. Additional factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer on the gum include heavy alcohol use, an infection with the human papilloma virus, chronic irritation on the gums and poor oral hygiene. The combination of smoking and alcohol intake places a person at a higher risk from developing oral cancer than abusing only one substance, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer on the gums can vary among individuals. The gum may form a sore or lesion that does not heal or a mass can form on the gum. A white or red patch may also appear on the gums. For individuals wearing dentures, the gum may swell and cause discomfort from the dentures or alter the fit of the false teeth, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. The growths or discolored patches may not cause pain in early stages.
Diagnosis
To diagnose cancer of the gum, a dentist or a physician performs a thorough examination on the mouth, gums and lips. A biopsy of the gum can help diagnose cancer. Taking an X-ray of the jaw can help determine if cancer from the gum has spread to the jaw or if it is affecting portions of teeth, according to the Merck Manuals.
Treatments
Treatment for gum cancer varies depending on the severity of the cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most commonly used treatment methods for oral cancer. A physician may use a combination of therapies to treat the condition. Surgical removal of growths can help remove the bulk of the cancer from the mouth. Radiation therapy can help destroy remaining cells in the gums, but can also cause side effects such as mouth sores, fatigue and tooth decay, according to MayoClinic.com. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to destroy the remaining cancer cells. Side effects of chemotherapy can include hair loss as well as nausea and vomiting.
Prevention
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help prevent oral cancers. Taking measures to avoid irritation to the mouth and gums from poor fitting dentures, broken teeth or from fillings can help prevent gum cancer. Practicing good oral hygiene can also help prevent the formation of oral cancer.
