Mouth cancer is a dangerous type of cancer. It can cause severe damage to the mouth, face, and jaw, leading to disfigurement and even death. The most common type of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the mouth.
Risk Factors Forum
There are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing mouth cancer. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, and chewing tobacco. Other risk factors include excessive sun exposure, a weakened immune system, and HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.
Symptoms Forum
Mouth cancer can present itself in many different ways. Symptoms of mouth cancer include a sore or lump in the mouth that does not heal, a white or red patch in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and pain or numbness in the mouth or jaw.
Diagnosis Forum
If a person is exhibiting any of the symptoms of mouth cancer, they should see a doctor or dentist right away. The doctor or dentist will examine the mouth and may order tests, such as an X-ray, biopsy, or MRI, to check for cancer cells.
Treatment Forum
Treatment for mouth cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three. Surgery is usually used to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue and may involve the removal of part or all of the jawbone.
Prevention Forum
The best way to prevent mouth cancer is to practice good oral hygiene and refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and chewing tobacco. It is also important to get regular dental checkups and to keep the mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing.
