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Oral Cancer and Head & Neck Cancer

Home Oral Cancer and Head & Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer and Head & Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, refers to cancer that develops in any part of the oral cavity — including the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, floor or roof of the mouth, and the throat's upper part (oropharynx). It typically begins in the flat, thin squamous cells lining the mouth and can spread rapidly if not detected early.

Who is at Risk?

Oral cancer most commonly affects people over 40, especially males, but it can occur in younger individuals too. The disease is often linked to lifestyle risk factors and can be more aggressive in people with poor general health.

There are two primary types of uterine cancer:

Oral cancer may be classified based on the type of cells involved or the site affected:

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (most common): Affects the lining of the mouth and throat.
  • Verrucous Carcinoma: A slow-growing type with a wart-like surface.
  • Minor Salivary Gland Cancers: Affect the glands in the lining of the mouth and throat.
  • Lymphomas or Melanomas: Rare forms affecting oral tissues.

Signs and Symptoms

Oral cancer symptoms can be subtle at first but become more pronounced over time. Common signs include:

  • Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal
  • Red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw/tongue
  • A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
  • Unexplained weight loss

    • If you experience these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare provider.

Risk Factors

The main risk factors associated with oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection
  • Prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
  • Family history of cancer
  • Age over 40 and male gender
  • Weakened immune system

Preventing Oral Cancer

While oral cancer may not be entirely preventable, several strategies can lower your risk:

  • Avoid tobacco products in all forms
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Get vaccinated against HPV
  • Protect lips from the sun using lip balm with SPF
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Be alert to changes in your mouth and seek prompt evaluation

    • Early detection greatly improves outcomes in oral cancer. Regular dental and medical checkups, especially for high-risk individuals, can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Head - Neck Cancer

What is Oral Cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a broad category that includes cancers originating in various regions of the head and neck, such as the mouth, throat, sinuses, and salivary glands. Other cancers, like those affecting the thyroid and pituitary glands, may also be considered part of this group.

These cancers can develop in the sinuses, nose, mouth (including the tongue, gums, and roof), throat (pharynx and larynx), lips, and, rarely, the salivary glands.

"Globally, head and neck cancers account for approximately 4.5% of all cancer diagnoses."

The seven types of head and neck cancers are as follows:

  • Throat Cancer
  • Mouth Cancer
  • Tongue Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
  • Salivary Gland Tumors
  • Skin Cancer

Symptoms of head and neck cancer

Symptoms of these cancers vary depending on their location. Mouth and throat symptoms may include a painless lump in the neck, a sore in the mouth that does not heal, coughing up blood, hoarseness or voice changes, loose teeth, and pain while swallowing. Nasal symptoms can include persistent nosebleeds and chronic nasal congestion or blockage. Other potential symptoms include a sore on the skin of the face, neck, or lips that does not heal, ear pain, and unintended weight loss. Recognizing these signs early and seeking medical evaluation is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Risk factors of head and neck cancer

Several factors increase the risk of head and neck cancer:

  • Smoking tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes is the leading cause of lung cancer
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly elevates risk.
  • Environmental and occupational exposures, including radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and air pollution, can contribute to lung cancer development.
  • Previous radiation treatments to the chest, such as those for breast cancer or lymphoma.
  • Family history of lung cancer, indicating a potential genetic predisposition.
  • After identifying the risk factors, it's important to understand that surgery is the primary treatment for lung cancer, although other treatment options may also be used such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation and targeted therapy.

Preventive measures

The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking entirely or quit if you currently smoke. Creating smoke-free environments at home and in your car is essential to protect both yourself and others from the harmful effects of tobacco.

High radon levels can also increase the risk of lung cancer, so testing your home for radon and implementing mitigation strategies can significantly reduce this risk.

Additionally, following health and safety guidelines to minimize exposure to harmful carcinogens—substances known to cause cancer—can further reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Taking these preventive measures can help safeguard your lung health and lower your risk.quit smoking, if applicable.

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