Mouth Cancer Signs, Symptoms & Causes

When cancer begins in the oral region or mouth, it is referred to as mouth cancer, cancer of the oral cavity, or oral cancer. A tumour or uncontrolled growth usually develops as a result of aberrant cells growing out of control. It can be a very aggressive kind of cancer. Due to the possibility that there may be no pain or signs, the cancer may not be discovered until it advances to the later stages. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common kind of mouth cancer, indicating that they begin in the cells that form the mouth lining.

Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

It might be challenging to recognise the early mouth cancer symptoms, which makes them sometimes easily missed. Lips, the inner cheek lining, gums, salivary glands, the soft palate, the tongue, and the hard palate are just a few areas where this form of cancer can manifest. There may be a number of mouth cancer symptoms depending on where in the mouth the cancer initially appears. Many dentists do a quick oral cancer screening as part of a regular dental checkup due to their constant concern for their patient’s oral health. This is an additional reason to visit the dentist regularly, in addition to maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. 

It is important to be aware of the initial mouth cancer signs in order to be able to report them to a doctor as soon as possible. It is generally recommended to seek medical advice for any signs and symptoms of mouth cancer that persist for a period of more than two weeks, including:

• Prolonged coughing
• Swallowing, speaking, or chewing problems
• Difficulty moving jaw or tongue
• Throat or mouth pain, soreness, or thickness.
• An internal mouth patch that is either white or red
• Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness
• Having the sensation that the throat is being squeezed
• Mouth numbness.
• Swelling in the jaw or neck
• Frequent bleeding from the nose
• Earache that is not associated with hearing loss
• Loss of weight without cause

What Causes Mouth Cancer?

Although the precise mouth cancer causes are unknown, there are a number of things that might raise the risk, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cigarette usage, and alcohol intake. The chance of acquiring oral cancer may be impacted by a number of variables. Although the likelihood of developing mouth cancer rises with age, the condition can strike persons as young as 55. Mouth cancer occurs in men twice as often as it does in women.

Below are some of the most prevalent mouth cancer causes that increase the chance of getting mouth cancer.

• Poor diet – Research has indicated that a diet that is deficient in fruits and vegetables may be associated with an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
• Tobacco use – Tobacco usage, whether it be in the form of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or snuff, is present in around 85% of individuals with oral cancer. The length and frequency of cigarette use affect the likelihood of acquiring mouth cancer. Smoking may cause mouth or throat cancer, and using oral tobacco products has been linked to the development of the disease in the cheeks, gums, and inner surface of the lips.
• Ultraviolet Rays (UV) – People who spend a lot of time in tanning booths, work outside, or are often exposed to the sun are more likely to get lip cancer.
• Gender – Males are twice as likely as females to have oral cancer. This discrepancy may be explained by the fact that males are more likely than women to use cigarettes and alcohol, two significant oral cancer risk factors.
• Alcohol consumption – A rough estimate is that heavy drinkers make up about 70% of mouth cancer cases. People who use alcohol and smoke together are in greater danger. Oral cancer risk may be 30 times greater in heavy drinkers and smokers than it is in non-drinkers and smokers.
• Age – The median age at which oral cancer is diagnosed is 63 years old, with more than one-third of those diagnosed being over the age of 55, although the disease also affects younger individuals.
• Inhibition of the Immune System – Medications that weaken the immune system, such as those used to treat immunological disorders or avoid organ rejection, can raise the risk of mouth cancer.
• HPV Infection – HPV increases the risk of mouth cancer. People who have oral cancer that has been related to HPV are more likely to not smoke or drink, and they often have a favourable prognosis. The majority of oral HPV infections are asymptomatic, and only a tiny proportion of them progress to cancer.
• Genetic syndromes – Oral cancer is a serious potential complication of several inherited genetic abnormalities that result in various disorders in the body, including Fanconi anaemia and Congenital Dyskeratosis.
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) – This syndrome could appear after a stem-cell transplant, in which the bone marrow is changed after the development or treatment of cancer. The body’s tissues might be damaged as a result of the new stem cells triggering an immune response that targets the patient’s own cells. Oral cancer is more likely to occur after two years of GVHD.
• Betel Quid – Betel quid, made of a betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and lime, is a common food in Southeast Asia and other areas of the world. Another typical practice is to chew gutka, a mixture of tobacco and betel nut. An elevated risk of oral cancer is linked to both of these substances.

Conclusion

Mouth cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that is becoming increasingly prevalent in many areas of the world, with new cases occurring regularly. However, with the development of modern medical technology, increased experience, and novel treatments, the survival rate of patients with oral cancer has been steadily improving. Routine mouth cancer screenings and dental checkups might improve the chances of early detection. It’s critical to get medical advice from an experienced doctor for an accurate assessment and diagnosis if you detect any persistent mouth cancer signs or risk factors.