Oral cancer

Oral cancer is a major problem in oral health. Late diagnosis, high mortality rates and morbidity leading to important disfigurement are characteristics of the disease worldwide. Oral squamous cell carcinomas are responsible for 90-95% of the new cases of oral cancer.Oral cancer is not as common when compared to other human cancers like those affecting skin, breast, cervix or lung it can be identified mainly in a very characteristic group of patients. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas share similar risk factors described for other head and neck malignancies like pharyngeal and maxillary sinus cancer. In some countries, researchers have identified a recent oral cancer trend of manifesting itself in young people, and also a recent incidence growth among women.Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer.Symptoms of oral cancer includeA lump or sore that does not healA sore throat that does not go awayTrouble swallowingA change or hoarseness in the voiceUsing tobacco or alcohol increases your risk. In fact, 85 percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco. If found early, these cancers are often curable. Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination. Treatments can affect eating, speaking or even breathing, so patients may need rehabilitation.

By Andrea Navarrete