Conditions

Cancer is usually named after the part of the body where it originates. According to WHO, there are 20 million cancer new cases and 9.7 million deaths globally. Approximately 55.3 million individuals were estimated to have survived within five years after being diagnosed with cancer. One out of every five individuals will experience cancer diagnosis in their life time. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are:  Prostate Colorectal Lung  Skin cancer  Testicular…

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. PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Involves the injection of a radioactive tracer to highlight areas of cancer cells. Blood samples are analyzed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein, or…

Treatment of oral cancer involves surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Treatment plan is decided based on severity, stage of the cancer and patient’s condition. Doctors may recommend some of the following: 1. Surgery – Surgical treatment is planned based on size, stage of cancer and patient’s condition. Tumor excision - It is done to remove the tumour and surrounding healthy tissue margins to ensure complete destruction of cancer cells. Excision depends on…

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…

Dentist can identify any sign or abnormality during check-up and based on that they can refer Oral -maxillofacial surgeon - head and neck surgeon for further diagnosis. Examination of oral cavity, including lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, soft palate, tonsillar area, buccal mucosa is done to check any abnormal changes such as red or white patches, lump, ulcers or lesions. Sub mandibular, sub lingual and cervical lymph nodes are examined to identify any swelling…

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)…

Can oral cancer be prevented Go for regular screening. People without risk factors should get screened every 6 months. Those with risk factors should get screened monthly. If oral cancer is detected early, the cure rate is more than 80%. Your dentist will examine your mouth during a routine visit, anyway, but if you have any concern, do mention it. Do not use tobacco in any form (both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause cancer) Do not chew betel nut or pan Do not drink alcohol in excess Stay…