Unmasking the Mystery: What Causes Mouth Cancer?

2023-06-21 0 By Karen Smith

Contents

1 What is Mouth Cancer and the Different Types
2 Causes of Mouth Cancer
3 Symptoms to Look Out For
4 Diagnosing Oral Cancer
5 Treatment Options for Oral Cancer
6 Tips for Prevention and Risk Reduction of Oral Cavity Cancer
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Oral cancer, a serious health concern plaguing millions globally, remains enshrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. Its damaging reach is undeniable, affecting the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, yet many remain unsure about its true origins. As we aim to peel back the layers of uncertainty, we delve into the pressing question: What causes mouth cancer? Grasping this crucial information is not only the key to prevention but also provides hope for improved treatments and a brighter future for those affected by this devastating disease.

What is Mouth Cancer and the Different Types

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof, and floor of the mouth. It falls under the broader category of head and neck cancers and is often grouped with oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat, tonsils, and back of the mouth. Mouth cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Different types of oral cancers include:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of mouth cancer, accounting for around 90% of cases. It starts in the squamous cells that line the mouth and lips.
Verrucous Carcinoma: A less common type of squamous cell carcinoma, it’s slow-growing and rarely spreads to other body parts but can invade the surrounding tissue.
Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas: This category includes several kinds of cancer originating in the minor salivary glands located throughout the oral cavity.
Lymphomas: These types of cancers originate in lymph nodes or tissues, which are part of the body’s immune system. In the mouth, they can start in the tonsils or the base of the tongue.
Oral Malignant Melanoma: This rare type of cancer starts in cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin that gives your skin its color.

According to the National Cancer Institute, each type of oral cancer has its own characteristics and treatment options, but all necessitate early detection for the best possible outcome.

Causes of Mouth Cancer

The exact cause of mouth cancer isn’t known, but certain factors can increase the risk. These risk factors include:

Tobacco use of any kind: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, among others, are linked to a high risk of mouth cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Those who consume alcohol excessively (more than one drink a day for women and more than two drinks daily for men) are at a significantly increased risk.
Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV, especially HPV 16, is a sexually transmitted virus linked to a subset of oral cancers.
Prolonged sun exposure to your lips: Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of cancer of the lips.
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables: A poor diet that lacks fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of mouth cancer.
Betel quid and gutka: These are substances popular in South Asia and among migrant communities from these regions. They are made up of betel nut, spices, and often tobacco and are known to cause oral cancer.
Genetics and immune system dysfunction: While less common, some genetic conditions or a weak immune system can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Poor oral hygiene: There’s a link between poor oral hygiene and mouth cancer. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help early detection and prevention.

It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop mouth cancer. But understanding these can help you make more informed decisions about your health.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Oral cancer can present with various symptoms. The following are some signs to look out for:

Sores and Ulcers: Any sores, swellings, lumps, or thick patches in or around your mouth or throat that don’t heal within a few weeks.
Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: You may have problems swallowing or chewing, experience pain, or feel like things are getting stuck in your throat.
Mouth or Tongue Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in your mouth, including the tongue, could be a sign.
White or Red Patches: Unusual white or red patches on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining.
Loose Teeth: Unexplained loosening of a tooth (or teeth) without apparent cause could be a symptom.
Numbness: Persistent numbness or an unusual feeling on the lip or tongue can also be a sign.
Voice Changes: Changes in your voice, hoarseness, or speaking problems that persist for more than two weeks.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss might indicate various cancers, including oral cancer.
Bad Breath: Persistent or recurrent bad breath can also be a sign.
Jaw or Ear Pain: Pain in the jaw or ear can sometimes be a symptom of oral cancer.
Persistent Sore Throat: A sore throat that does not heal could be a sign.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be due to less serious conditions. However, if any of these persist for more than two weeks, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves the chance of a successful treatment.

Diagnosing Oral Cancer

Oral cancer diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam of the mouth and throat. If a suspicious area is found, the following steps may be taken:

Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of cells or tissue from the suspicious area to be examined under a microscope. This is typically done by an oral surgeon or a dentist specializing in mouth diseases.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be performed to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Endoscopy: In some cases, a small, flexible scope may be used to inspect areas that aren’t easily visible, like the throat or nasal passages.
HPV Testing: If the biopsy shows that oral cancer is present, the tissue sample may be tested for HPV, as this may determine the prognosis and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Oral Cancer

Treatment for oral cancer depends on the location and stage of the mouth cancer and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options include:

Surgery: This may involve removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it or, in more advanced cases, removing a section of the jaw or tongue.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, are used to kill cancer cells. It can be done externally, or in more advanced cases, the radiation may be placed inside the body close to the cancer (brachytherapy).
Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy.
Targeted Drug Therapy: These drugs target specific aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth.
Immunotherapy: This helps your immune system fight cancer by boosting your body’s natural defenses.
Rehabilitation after Treatment: Depending on the extent of the disease and treatment, rehabilitation could include physical therapy, dietary counseling, speech therapy, and/or learning how to cope with changes to the mouth and face.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to understand each option’s potential benefits and risks and decide on the course of treatment that is right for you.

Tips for Prevention and Risk Reduction of Oral Cavity Cancer

While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of developing mouth cancer, you can significantly reduce it by following these preventive strategies:

Quit Tobacco: Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco use increases your risk significantly. Stopping is the best way to reduce your risk.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking increases the risk of mouth cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Foods high in antioxidants could help protect against mouth cancer.
Protect Yourself from HPV: Some mouth and throat cancers are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). To protect yourself, consider vaccinating against HPV if you’re eligible, and practice safe sex.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure to Your Lips: Protect the skin on your lips from the sun by staying in the shade when possible, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, or using a lip balm with sunscreen.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: As part of a routine dental exam, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening, which includes looking for any signs of oral cancer. Regular dental visits can help detect oral cancer early.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the amount of potentially harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Limit Betel Nut and Gutka Use: In regions where betel nut and gutka chewing is common, reducing or eliminating this habit can greatly reduce the risk of oral cancer.

Adopting these preventive measures can’t guarantee you won’t get mouth cancer, but they can go a long way toward reducing your risk and promoting overall health.