Mouth Cancer: Often Overlooked, but Not to be Underestimated
Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Typically affecting individuals aged 60 and older, mouth cancer can spread throughout the mouth and throat to other areas of the head and neck.
Mouth cancer can heavily impact an individuals quality of life by impactinghow they eat, speak or even breathe. It can cause severe pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Five years after diagnosis, approximately 63% of individuals with oral cancer are alive.
Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer, but there are also many lifestyle activities that can increase risk of developing oral cancer.
75% of individuals who develop oral cancer have these habits:
Smoking
Using tobacco products, even if it’s smokeless
Regular excessive alcohol consumption
Spending lots of time under the sun without proper UV protection on the lips
Have a family history of oral cancer
Have human papilloma virus (HPV)
Mouth cancer can appear in many different forms and can develop in several areas of the mouth.
The most common signs to look out for are:
Ulcers and sores on the lip or inside of mouth that easily bleed and do not heal within three weeks.
Rough red or white patches and crusty areas on lips, gums, or inside mouth.
Unexplained bleeding or lumps and swelling anywhere in mouth, lips, or throat.
Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving jaw and tongue.
Numbness, pain, and tenderness in the mouth.
The areas that mouth cancer could potentially appear in are:
Lips
Tongue
Gums
Inside of cheeks
Roof or floor of mouth
Tonsils and throat
Be educated and don’t wait to get your mouth checked out if you have suspicions regarding any of your symptoms. Early detection immensely improves the chances of successful treatments.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/world-cancer-day-spot-the-signs-of-mouth-cancer-and-act-early
https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouthcancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997