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Oral cancer is an umbrella term used to describe cancer that affects any part of the mouth, including lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth and hard or soft palate. It can also develop in salivary glands. While it may not be as well-known as other forms of cancer such as breast and lung disease, oral cancer affects thousands of people each year worldwide.
Symptoms vary by type but may include sores in the mouth that won’t heal; swelling or lumps in the neck; red or white patches on the inside lining of your cheek; numbness around your face or jawline; pain when chewing or swallowing food; difficulty opening your jaw wide for a few weeks at a time (a symptom called trismus); hoarseness that lasts for more than 2 weeks ; unexplained bleeding from anywhere in your mouth area ; earaches with no known cause and bad breath that persists even after thorough brushing/flossing.
Oral cancer can take many forms. The most common form is squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, which affects the lips and mouth area. Other forms of oral cancers include adenocarcinomas (which affect salivary glands), lymphomas and sarcomas (fibrosarcoma).
Depending on what part of the mouth these cells develop in, they may also be called “mouth cancers”, “tongue cancer” or even a specific type such as oropharyngeal cancer (affecting parts of the throat including tonsils) or pharyngeal cancer (affecting upper part of throat before vocal chords). All types of oral cancers have one thing in common – they are developed from uncontrolled growths that turn into tumors if left unchecked.
Oral cancer can develop in many parts of the mouth, such as on the tongue, lips, gums, inside of your cheeks and even around your tonsils. Though rare, salivary gland cancers may also occur. While anyone is at risk for oral cancer, some people are more likely than others to develop it.
This includes those who use tobacco or excessive amounts of alcohol; people exposed to radiation therapies near their head and neck; and those with a history of sun exposure – especially if you tend to get a lot of lip burns from extended periods outdoors.
Symptoms include areas inside your mouth that bleed easily; numbness in any part of the face or mouth; difficulty speaking or swallowing; white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia); a sore throat that doesn’t go away after several weeks; pain when chewing food; lumps located anywhere on your head and neck area.
If you notice any signs like these, please speak with a medical professional right away as they could be indicators of oral cancer.
Just like any other cancer, the cause of oral cancer is not fully understood. However, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing it. The most common include tobacco use (cigarette smoking and smokeless forms) and alcohol consumption.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light has been linked to some cases as well as a weakened immune system or an existing chronic infection in the mouth.
Individuals with a family history of oral cancer also have an increased likelihood of developing this disease. Additional lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and stress levels may also contribute to its occurrence, according to research studies on the topic.
The price of oral cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer in question, whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body, and what type of treatments are required. The estimated cost can range from as low as $10,000 for standard treatments like surgery and radiation up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for more complex therapies and treatments.
Depending on where you live, your insurance coverage could help pick up some or all these costs. Additionally, there are many organizations dedicated to providing financial assistance such as grants and loans for those battling this disease. Ultimately, talk with your healthcare team about available options so that a decision regarding treatment can be made that is best suited for both your physical health and financial situation.
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Indian Health Adviser (IHA) is a healthcare facilitator seeking to make health and wellness easier for people of international residents, their families, and their friends.
