1. Basics of Oral Cancer
Research reveals tobacco use accounts for most oral cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) data shows heavy smokers who use tobacco for a long time are most at risk. Alcohol consumption increases the risk.
2. Early Bird Catches the Worm
Early detection could translate into early treatment, often successfully. See your physician about this if you are a habitual cigarette smoker and alcohol consumer. Oral mucosal screening regularly helps early detection of potential oral cavity cancer. Look for sores that won't heal on your lip or in your mouth. Let your doctor know of any bleeding in your mouth, loose teeth, difficulty or pain when swallowing, difficulty wearing dentures, lumps in your neck or earaches.
3. The Devil is in the Details
Your doctor or dentist will know to look for whitish patches inside your mouth or on your lips, a mixture of red and white or red alone. The most common white patches (leukoplakia) sometimes turn cancerous. The mixed red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia) are more likely than white patches to lead to oral cancer. Most often, however, it's the bright red patches (erythroplakia) that lead to oral cancer in smokers.
4. Are You Sure, Doctor?
To make sure the abnormal areas are indeed cancerous, your physician might remove a sample tissue under anesthesia, for detailed examination. He may follow this with tests to learn the extent of oral cancer. Dental and chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs should help determine the spread of oral cancer to other parts of the body.
5. Treatment Options
Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combo, depending on the origin, size and spread of the oral cancer. There is also support and care available to lessen the treatment-related side effects. Do not hesitate to ask the doctor for all the risks and benefits of the treatment options. But remember to avoid sharp, crunchy foods, hot, spicy foods, foods high in acid such as citrus fruits and juices, sugar and alcohol.
