When cancer starts in the mouth it is known as oral cancer. This includes six different types of cancers: lips, oral tongue, lining around the gums and cheeks (inner lining of the cheeks), oral cavity (oropharynx the middle region of the throat). Oral cancer incidence is higher in men. Similarly, older individuals (55 years and above) have a higher risk of this disease. However, practically anyone can get oral cancer at any stage of life. Today, oral cancer can be detected early by screening and can be well prevented through lifestyle changes.

Here's summary of every key point:

Causes and Risk Factors

The main reason for oral cancer is the extreme carcinogens activity or agents that may cause DNA damage and accordingly create a mutation in cells. The 2 risk factors are observed in smoking and excessive drinking; however, when there is a combination of the two, it makes the risk of harm unbearable. Application of these tobacco products without fire like those as chew, dip, and snuff also represents a high risk group.

Other potential causes include:

1. HPV infection (human papillomavirus)
2. Excessive sun exposure on the lips
3. Poor oral hygiene and chronic inflammation
4. Genetics and family history

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are often subtle in the early stages, so routine screenings are critical. As the cancer develops, potential signs include:

• A sore, persistent lump or thick patch in the mouth

• A white or red discolored area in the mouth

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Persistent ear pain

• A sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat

• Unexplained weight loss

• In later stages, oral cancer may cause bleeding, slurred speech, jaw stiffness, bad breath, and loose teeth.

Screening and Diagnosis

The Best ayurvedic cancer hospital in Delhi  suggests that routine dental examinations performed by dentists assure that all the abnormalities of the mouth, lip, tongue and throat (MLOTS) region are very closely noted. If an exam result is anomaly they may then proceed to further tests such as a brush biopsy that collects cell samples; an incisional biopsy that removes a piece of tissue; or imaging like x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. Through imaging around the cells, these tools can identify if cancerous or precancerous cells are present and if the cancer has spread.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the specific type, location, and stage of the oral cancer but may involve one or more of the following:

Surgery

Its technique is such that the surgeon removes a part of the tumor along with some absorbing tissues. To treat larger tumors, surgery may be required, which can involve dissection of a larger area and restoration of the defect.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation has curative properties to kill the cancer cells. This may come from external radiation rays or from implants inserted inside into the tumor.

Chemotherapy

Chemo drugs are given either orally or people can also be treated intravenously and when the cell division is rapid these drugs can be used to fight oral cancers by attacking the cell. It's frequently used during radiation therapy.

Immunotherapy

Such new drugs possess potential that allows the immune system to accurately identify cancer cells and engage in more forceful attack on them.

Targeted Therapy

The drugs that inhibit specific genes and proteins of cancer cells in order to block the proliferation and metastasis of the disease work effectively thus yielding a profound effect to the patients.

Prevention

While oral cancer can be difficult to prevent entirely, there are actions you can take to reduce your risk:

• Avoid all tobacco products

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Protect lips from excessive sun exposure

• Practice good oral hygiene

• Get routine oral cancer screenings

• Consider HPV vaccinations
  

The Best ayurvedic cancer hospital in Mumbai  suggests that oral cancer is usually discovered as a result of scheduled dental care, this is where it becomes imperative that you stay up-to-date with keeping preventative care appointments even when you spot anything unusual at home. Techniques for early and accurate diagnosis provide a treatment's highest success rate.

Oral cancer still constitutes one of the severe health problems, yet improved diagnostics, screening and treatment brings good news: more cancer patients have a chance of recovery today as compared to not so long ago. Being more motivated and defined in taking preventative actions and recognizing the signs can result in early detection when the chances for continued health and recovery are at a peak.

Although the cancer statistics seem quite threatening, it is very important to realize that the treatment for oral cancer has made a tremendous advancement in the last few years and currently the outcome for the patients is so much more positive compared to before. Along with the surgical techniques, therapies with radiation, exact chemotherapy regimens, and more targeted therapies have brought faster survival rates with fewer long-term side effects.