Oral cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or
throat. It can occur in the tongue, tonsils, gums, and other parts of
the mouth.This year, more than 51,000 U.S. people will be diagnosed with
oral cancer. Men are more likely to have this type of cancer, though
there are ways to minimize your risks.Within the past 30 years, the
death rate for oral cancer has decreased. As with other cancers, prompt
treatment and early diagnosis improve your chances of survival. Are you
at risk? Keep reading to learn more about who’s at risk for oral cancer,
as well as the signs, symptoms, and causes.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
As with many other types of cancer, the signs and symptoms of oral
cancer vary from person to person. Some of the most common signs
include mouth sores, or pain that doesn’t go away.Oral cancer may also
appear as white or red patches on the gums, tonsils, or the lining of
the mouth. Other symptoms include:
- swelling in your neck
- a lump in your cheek
- difficulty swallowing or chewing
- feeling like something is caught in your throat
- trouble moving your jaw or tongue
- weight loss
- constant bad breath
What puts me at risk for oral cancer?
Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes oral cancers. But
scientists now believe that cancers start after there’s damage or
mutations in the genetic code that controls cell growth and death.These
factors are known to increase your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless
tobacco or chewing tobacco is one of the most well-known risks of oral
cancer. - Consuming large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinkers are more likely
to be diagnosed with oral cancer. For people who use tobacco along with
alcohol, the danger is much higher. - Human papillomavirus (HPV). Cancers that are linked to HPV are
generally found at the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and
in the tonsils. Although the overall cases of oral cancer are dropping,
cases due to HPV have been rising. - Sun exposure. An excess of sun exposure on your lips increases your
risk of oral cancer. You can reduce the danger by using a lip balm or
cream containing SPF.
Other risk factors include being older than 45, being exposed to radiation, and having another type of head and neck cancer.
Minimizing your risks
Cancers of the mouth are among the most preventable types of cancers.
The number one thing you can do to prevent oral cancer is to never
start smoking, or quit smoking if you currently do.You can also reduce
your risk by:
- limiting your exposure to the sun and wearing SPF lip balm
- eating a balanced, well-rounded diet of fruits and vegetables
- drinking in moderation, if you drink alcohol
- removing your dentures at night and cleaning them every day
- practicing good oral health habits
While it’s impossible to fully prevent oral cancer, taking these
steps can help reduce your chances of diagnosis. Visiting your dentist
on a regular basis will help ensure any signs of oral cancer are
identified as early as possible.