Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth and its occurrence is rare. Its diagnosis is usually easy as it is usually visible and, in most cases, manifests itself in the form of ulcers.
Experts say that oral cancer is a rare variant that can appear in any part of the oral cavity: tongue or under the tongue, palate, cheeks, gums, lips or other areas.
Diagnosis of oral cancer
This type of cancer has a particularity compared to other cancers that appear in other organs, and that is that in most cases it is visible. This makes the work easier, since no special tests or complex explorations are necessary. Its diagnosis, therefore, is made by simply opening the mouth. This should force the patient to go to the specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery with the problem in very early stages, but sometimes, due to fear or other factors, this does not happen.
Symptoms of oral cancer
The first thing the patient notices is pain that is generally accompanied by a permanent ulcer that grows progressively. On other occasions, the first manifestation is a lump or swelling, which persists and grows.
Any patient with swelling or who presents an ulceration in the form of a mouth ulcer that does not disappear within 15 days and, on the contrary, increases in size, should consult a specialist.
Causes of oral cancer
As with other cancers, there is no clear cause, but it is true that, in our society, it is usually associated with alcohol consumption or smoking. Currently, the papilloma virus is also considered as a cause. However, there are many patients in whom no obvious cause can be pinpointed.
Oral cancer treatments
Treatments depend on the location and extent of the tumor. They range from small interventions, in the most favorable cases, to complex surgical procedures, which sometimes require interventions lasting more than eight hours, after which radiotherapy and chemotherapy must be associated.
As in all cases, prevention is better. It is enough to open your mouth.
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