Oral Health: How to Identify Early Signs And Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of oral cancer is key to early discovery and successful treatment, and maintaining excellent oral health is important for overall health.

Oral health: For the well-being of the whole body, oral health is vital. More than 135,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported each year, and sadly, 50% of these patients die within a year of their diagnosis, according to GLOBOCAN 2020. This can be attributed to the widespread consumption of alcohol, areca nuts, and tobacco products. Did you know that if victims of smoking are regularly examined, there is a good chance of detecting these lesions in the early stages, leading to better overall patient survival with reduced deformities and better quality of life? Dr Hitesh R Singhavi, Consultant Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mulund shares oral cancer causes, early signs and symptoms.

CAUSES OF ORAL CANCER

• Areca nut can independently cause cancer without tobacco. Areca nut users have 2.8 times more chance of oral cancer
• Regular alcohol consumers have 2 times more chances of oral carcinogenesis.
• Sharp teeth and poor oral hygiene.
• Sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures that constantly hit the inner lining of the mouth can also cause these injuries with or without the use of tobacco.
• Viruses generally do not contribute to the causation of cancers of the oral cavity.

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ORAL CANCER

Health expert Dr. Singhavi further reveals that early detection of oral cancer is key to cure and quality of life after treatment. For early detection, we need to understand our body when it speaks to us by giving us signals. Therefore, the signs and symptoms of cancer of the oral cavity can be summarized with the mnemonic ‘ALERT NOW’.

• TO: Abnormal ulcer that does not heal for more than 3 weeks.
• L: Lump or thickening on the cheek or neck.
• MY: Ear pain: This can be a symptom of oral cancer, especially if there is an ulcer near the back of the tongue.
• A: Reddish stain in the mouth that does not heal in more than 3 weeks and cannot be rubbed off (non-skippable).
• You: Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well: This can be a sign that there may be some growth that is causing the teeth to become loose and dentures that do not fit well.
• NORTH: Jaw numbness may be a sign of advanced oral cavity cancer, as the disease can affect the nerve within the jaw.
• EITHER: Bad smell: bad breath may be related to oral cavity cancer. These lesions can be painful and cleaning these areas can be difficult, leading to a foul odor.
• W: Pain when swallowing or difficulty or hoarseness in the voice.

We can take steps to reduce our chance of getting oral cancer by establishing healthy behaviors and seeking immediate medical help when necessary.