Conditions

Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include: Unexplained weight loss. Loss of more than 10 pounds may be the first sign. Lump under the skin. Fever, commonly seen in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Tiredness or fatigue that does not get better even after rest. Unhealing sores on the skin,inside the mouth or the genital area.…

Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originates. In 2018, it was estimated that 18 million cases of cancer were detected globally. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are: Lung Prostate Colorectal Stomach Liver The five top most common cancers among women, globally, are: Breast Colorectal Lung Cervical Thyroid Other cancers include: Brain cancer Childhood cancer (neuroblastoma,Wilms’ tumour, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma) Pancreatic cancer Bile duct…

Early detection can improve the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may recommend some of the following: Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound to locate the tumour and the organ affected by it. Blood samples are analysed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein or other substances released by cancer cells. Examples of bloods tests include: Complete blood count: This common blood test is…

The treatment depends on the site and size of the tumour, how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s general state of health. The doctor may recommend some of the following: Surgery: The surgeon may remove the tumour or the affected area. The patient may need reconstructive surgery following this to restore the appearance and function of the area affected. Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy beams of radiation focused on cancerous tissue. This kills cancer cells…

Apart from the treatment options, the following are important as well: Food and nutrition  Eating right is a key part of cancer treatment. You need to keep your body as strong as possible before, during and after treatment, so you need to take in enough nutrients. Eating enough proteins and calories will help your body deal with the treatment and fight off infections. Weight loss or malnutrition presents a real life risk for cancer patients. But for some oral cancer patients, food intake…

Stages of oral cancer TNM Staging of oral cancer. T stands for tumour size.   TX- Primary tumour cannot be assessed T0- No evidence of primary tumour Tis -Carcinoma in situ T1- Tumour 2 cm or less in greatest dimension T2 -Tumour more than 2cm but not more than 4cm in greatest dimension T3 -Tumour more than 4cm in greatest dimension T4 - Tumour invades adjacent structures, eg, through jaw bone, jaw nerve, floor of mouth, skin of face. N stands for lymph node involvement. NX:…

If you have any of the following, see your dentist: Swelling, ulcer or any type of growth in the oral cavity or around the mouth White or red patches on lips, gum, tongue or mouth lining A lump that can be felt inside the mouth or on the neck Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking Continued hoarseness of voice Numbness or pain in any area of the mouth that doesn’t go away Swelling of the upper or lower jaw Sudden loosening of teeth Difficulty in wearing dentures Bleeding in any…

The doctor may recommend some of the following tests: Colposcopy and optical diagnostic systems: The colposcope is an instrument with a magnifying lens that allows the doctor to take a close look at the affected part of the mouth. Acetic acid solution and iodine solution (Lugol's or Schiller's) are applied to the surface to improve visualisation of abnormal areas. Toluidine blue (TB) and lugols iodine staining: is a simple and inexpensive diagnostic tool to…

The risk factors include the following: Habitual smoking, taking snuff and chewing of tobacco,gutka, pan or areca nut Heavy drinking of alcohol Human papilloma virus (HPV) Epstein-Barr virus Lichen planus  that causes white lines and spots in the mouth. On immuno suppression drugs Exposure to radiation at a young age Previous personal history of cancer elsewhere in the body Family history of cancer Certain genetic traits and syndromes (such as Fanconi anemia and Dsykeratosis congenita)…