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Oral Cancer Banner – Thousand Smiles
Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Treatment and Surgery

Oral cancer is the broad term for the cancers that affect the oral cavity. It includes cancer of the gums, inner cheek linings, under the tongue, roof of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Oral cancer falls under head and neck cancer, making their treatments similar.

Symptoms Of Oral Cancer – Thousand Smiles

Symptoms

The symptoms of oral cancer include:

  • Mouth pain
  • Ear pain
  • Loose teeth
  • Ear pain
  • A growth or lump inside the mouth
  • White or reddish patch inside the mouth
  • Sores in the lips or mouth that don’t heal
  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing
Causes Of Oral Cancer – Thousand Smiles

Causes of oral cancer

Oral cancer is due to cellular DNA mutation on the lips or in the mouth. Your cellular DNA contains information instructing your cells on how they should function. When these mutations occur, the information in the cell changes the information in the cell, instructing the cells to keep dividing and growing when healthy cells die.

The accumulated abnormal cancer cells form a tumour, and after some time, the cells spread to other areas of the neck, head and mouth, including other parts of the body.

Oral cancers often start in the squamous cells (flat, thin cells) lining the lips and mouth, which makes oral cancers squamous cell carcinomas. The cause of mutations in the squamous cells that results in oral cancer remains unclear, but medical professionals have identified factors that increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Highly experienced dentists offering advanced dental treatments at Thousand Smiles.

Risk Factors For Oral Cancer – Thousand Smiles

Risk factors for oral cancer

  • A weakened immune system
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) – sexually transmitted virus
  • Using tobacco, including chewing tobacco or snuff, pipes, cigarettes and cigars
  • Excessively exposing the lips to sunlight

Prevention

The mode of prevention for oral cancer isn’t certain, but the following may reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Avoid tobacco use

Consider stopping tobacco use if you use it. Using tobacco, whether chewing or smoking it, exposes your mouth to cancer-causing chemicals.

Reduce alcohol intake

Excess alcohol consumption irritates cells in the mouth, making the cells more prone to oral cancer. If you take alcohol, ensure it is in moderate amounts. Healthy women across all ages and men over 65 can take a drink in one day, while men below 65 can have two drinks a day.

Avoid excess exposure of your lips to the sun

Whenever possible, stay in shades, or wear a broad-brimmed hat covering your face, including your mouth, to protect your lips from direct sunlight. Using a sunscreen lip product in your sun protection routine will also help reduce the impact of sunlight on your lips.

Treatment for Oral Cancer – Thousand Smiles

Visit your dentist regularly

When you visit the dentist for your regular dental check-up, they will inspect your mouth, checking for signs of oral cancer.

When do I need to see a dentist?

If your symptoms are persistent and give you concern, ensure you visit the dentist. Your dental professional will examine your mouth and perform some investigations checking for the common causes of the symptom you experience.

If you notice abnormal changes in your mouth, visit Thousand Smiles today to have our dentist perform an examination and diagnose the cause of the changes. You can also contact us at 020 8050 0280 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment with our dentist.