Are you familiar with the symptoms of oral cancer? What are the treatment methods for mouth or palate cancer? In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we talk about the latest oral cancer treatment, oral and gum cancer symptoms, diagnosis and prevention methods... We will also tell you how to reduce the symptoms of the disease with the help of herbal and home remedies.

What is oral cancer?

Actually, oral cancer is a type of cancer, also known as palatal cancer or oral cancer, and it can affect any part of the mouth (oral cavity). Oral cancer can occur in the following areas:

• lip
• Gum
• Language
• Internal covering of cheeks
• roof of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth (under the tongue)
• Hard palate
• Soft palate

Oral cancer is one of several types of cancer that is included in the category of head and neck cancers.

This type of cancer appears as a lump or sore in the mouth that does not go away. In the United States, about 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, 70% of whom are men.

Depending on which cell in the mouth has cancer, this disease is classified.

If you have the symptoms of this disease, it is better to visit an ear, nose and throat doctor as soon as possible. You can also visit an ear, nose and throat doctor through online consultation to make the visit process faster.

Types of oral cancer

The mouth is made up of different types of cells.... The type of oral cancer depends on which of the types of cells the cancer started in.

Read more: Learn about nasopharyngeal cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity

More than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma... Squamous cells are thin cells that have a smooth surface and look like fish scales.... These cells are often found in the tissues that make up the surface of the skin, the lining of the body's hollow organs, and the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts.. Carcinoma means cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma affects most parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight (such as the face, ears, and neck)...but sometimes it also occurs in the mouth.

Other cancers of the oral cavity that are less common include:

Verrucous carcinoma in the mouth

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. This type of carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can grow deep into surrounding tissues.

Melanoma of the mouth

Melanoma occurs in the pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin. Neck melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, inside the nose, or in the oral cavity.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma starts from the basal cells.... This type of cancer appears on the lips.

Read more: What is burning mouth syndrome?

Symptoms of mouth and gum cancer

Some of the most common symptoms of mouth and gum cancer are:

• Swelling or thickening, formation of lumps or bumps, rough patches, hardening of the skin, or abraded areas on the lips, gums, cheeks, or other parts of the mouth
• The appearance of white, red or mottled (white and red) velvety spots in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness, pain, or sensitivity to touch in any area of ​​the face, mouth, or neck
• Pain or feeling that something is stuck in the back
• difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat or change in voice
• Earache
• Swelling or pain in the jaw area, if you wear dentures, it may be uncomfortable or difficult to put them in your mouth.
• Significant weight loss
• Loose teeth

Read more: Tinnitus; Symptoms, causes, complications and treatment

The cause of oral cancer

Cancer occurs when a genetic change in the body causes cells to grow out of control.. As these unwanted cells continue to grow, a tumor is formed.. Over time, these cells may spread to other parts of the body.

Causes and risk factors

The risk factors of oral cancer are:

Smoking

People who smoke cigarettes or pipes are six times more likely to develop mouth cancer or mouth cancer than non-smokers.

Using smokeless tobacco

Chewing or inhaling tobacco makes a person 50 times more susceptible to cheek, gum and lip lining cancer.

Excessive consumption of alcohol

Oral cancer is 6 times more common among people who drink alcohol than among people who do not drink alcohol.. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco together increases the possibility of getting cancer.

Read more: What is the cause of nosebleeds and how is it treated?

Excessive exposure to sunlight, especially at a young age

Ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause lip cancer.

Improper diet

Some studies have found a relationship between oral cancer and not consuming enough vegetables and fruits.

It should be noted that more than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and only occasionally consume alcohol.

Other risk factors for oral cancer include:

• Family history of cancer
• Gastric reflux disease (GERD)
• If you have previously received radiation therapy in the head, neck or both areas.
• exposure to some chemicals (especially asbestos, sulfuric acid and formaldehyde)
• Drinking very hot matte tea
• If you have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the past.

Read more: Painful swallowing; Reasons, possible causes and how to treat

When should we see a doctor?

If, in addition to the above symptoms, you notice sores on your face, neck, or mouth that bleed and do not heal within 2 weeks, contact your doctor immediately.

Does oral sex cause oral cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted during oral sex and increase the risk of developing cancer.

Some types of human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and mouth. Almost all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

At what age is oral cancer more common?

Oral cancer can occur at any age.. But most cases of oral cancer occur in elderly people between 50 and 74 years old.

In general, the HPV virus is the cause of palate cancer in most young people.

How is oral cancer in children?

The probability of getting oral cancer in children is very low, because the main risk factors of this disease are related to adults... Of course, sometimes children also get this disease.

When oral cavity cancer occurs in children, the most common types are lymphoma and sarcoma. The possibility of squamous cell cancer in children is rare.

Symptoms of this disease in children are similar to those of adults.

Stages of oral cancer

A patient's stage of cancer determines where the cancer is, whether the cancer has grown, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Step 0

This stage is also called carcinoma in situ. This stage describes abnormal cells in the lining of the lip or oral cavity that have the potential to become cancer.

First step

In stage I, the size of the tumor is about 2 cm or less and the cancer has not reached the lymph nodes.

Second step

Stage II describes a tumor that is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 4 cm. In stage II, the cancer has not reached the lymph nodes.

Phase III

In stage III, the tumor is larger than 4 cm and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body... or the tumor is any size and has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.

Phase IV

The fourth stage is the most advanced stage of oral cancer... At this stage, the cancer may be of any size and may have spread to the following areas:

• Nearby tissues, such as the jaw or other parts of the oral cavity
• A large lymph node larger than 3 cm (located on the same side of the neck as the tumor), several lymph nodes (located on the same side of the neck as the tumor), or one lymph node (located on the side of the neck opposite the tumor).
• Parts of the body that are further away from the mouth (such as the lungs)

When the cancer is in stage IV, the doctor may diagnose oral cancer.

Cancers that are in stage III and IV are more likely to recur than cancers that are in the early stages. The cancer may recur in the same part of the body where it first grew, in the lymph nodes, or in another part of the body.

Survival rate

According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for mouth and throat cancers is as follows:

• 83% for localized cancer (that has not spread).
• 64% for cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• 38%, for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Overall, 60% of people with oral cancer survive for five years or more... If the cancer is caught in the early stages, the person is more likely to survive after receiving treatment.

In fact, the five-year survival rate for people with stage 1 and 2 oral cancer is around 70-90%.

Read more: The most common ear, throat and nose complications

Oral cancer treatment

The doctor considers several factors before recommending the right treatment for palate cancer, including:

• Your type of oral cancer
• Has oral cancer spread from the original site to other parts of the mouth and throat or other parts of the body
• Your general health status
• Santan

The doctor may recommend only one type of treatment or may use a combination of treatment methods for you.... Treatment options include:

palatal cancer surgery

The following surgical procedures may be used to treat oral cancer:

Surgery to remove the tumor

During this procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure that all the cancer cells are removed.. Smaller cancers are often removed through a minor surgery, while larger tumors may require more extensive surgery..

Surgery to remove cancer that has spread to the neck

If the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, or if the doctor thinks this has happened based on the size or depth of the cancer, he may recommend a procedure to remove the lymph nodes and related tissues in the neck, called a neck dissection. This surgical procedure removes cancer cells that may have spread to the lymph nodes.

Surgery to repair the mouth

After surgery to remove the cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore your mouth. This surgery will help you regain the ability to speak and eat.

Radiotherapy

During the radiation therapy process, the doctor uses high-energy rays (such as X-rays and protons) to destroy cancer cells. The treatment can be used alone. In other situations, radiation therapy can be combined with chemotherapy. Slow.. Radiation therapy will be more effective in people who do not smoke or have quit smoking..

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone, together with other chemotherapy drugs, or in combination with other cancer treatments.

Target drug treatment

Targeted drug therapy or targeted therapy helps to treat oral cancer by changing certain aspects of cancer cells that cause these cells to grow. These drugs can be used alone or together with chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.

Cetuximab (Orbitax) is a targeted therapy used to treat oral cancer in certain conditions. Cetuximab stops the function of a protein that is found in many types of healthy cells, but is more common in certain types of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy or immunotherapy is one of the newest cancer treatments that uses the immune system to fight cancer... The immune system may not attack cancer because the cancer cells produce proteins that prevent the immune system cells from recognizing them.. Immunotherapy works by interfering with this process.

Immunotherapy treatments are usually used for people who have advanced oral cancer that does not respond to standard treatments.

Read more: The most common surgeries in ear, nose and throat specialty

Complementary treatments

No complementary or alternative therapies can cure oral cancer... but these treatments can help you cope with oral cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment (such as feeling tired)... Some of these methods include:

Sports

Do 30 minutes of light exercise most days of the week. Moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking) can also help reduce fatigue during and after cancer treatment. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting exercise to make sure exercise is safe for you.

Massage therapy

During the massage therapy process, a massage therapist uses their hands to apply pressure to your muscles and skin.... This treatment method also helps a lot to get rid of stress and mental pressure.

Peace

Activities that help you feel relaxed can be effective in fighting cancer. To use relaxation techniques, you can listen to relaxing music or write down your memories in a notebook.

Treatment of oral cancer with acupuncture

During acupuncture sessions, a trained practitioner inserts very thin needles into specific parts of the body... This process helps relieve fatigue and some of the symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments.

Diagnosis of oral cancer

The tests and methods used to diagnose oral cancer are:

Physical examination

The doctor or dentist will examine your lips and mouth to look for abnormal areas such as inflamed, painful areas and white spots (leukoplakia).

Tissue removal for testing (biopsy)

If a doctor or dentist notices a suspicious area, he or she may remove a sample of cells in a procedure called a biopsy to examine in a laboratory. The doctor may use a cutting tool to cut a sample of tissue..

Determining the extent of cancer

Once oral cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will try to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer... Tests to stage oral cancer may include:

Treatment of oral cancer with endoscopy

The doctor uses a small camera to examine the throat. During a procedure called an endoscopy, the doctor places a small, flexible camera equipped with a light down your throat to look for signs of cancer outside the mouth.

Image test

Some types of imaging tests may help determine if the cancer has spread outside of your mouth. Imaging tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, etc. A person does not have to have all of these tests..

Prevention

Oral cancer is preventable and by following a few simple tips, you can play an important role in preventing this disease. For this purpose:

• If you use any kind of tobacco or cigarettes, try to stop... Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation plan.
• Avoid drinking alcohol too.
• Always use sunscreen products before exposure to the sun... It is better to use sunscreens that block UV-A and UV-B rays.
• Get vaccinated for human papilloma virus.
• Be examined regularly by a dentist....People between the ages of 20 and 40 should have an oral cancer screening test every three years...After the age of 40, they should also be examined annually.

Side effects of oral cancer treatment

Oral cancer and its treatment may lead to side effects. The side effects of treatment methods are different. For example:

Surgery

Surgery is associated with these complications:

• Bleeding
• infection
• Pain
• Difficulty eating and swallowing

Long-term side effects of surgery may include the following:

• Dental problems: If the surgery changes the shape of the mouth and jaw, it may cause problems for the teeth.
• Dysphagia or swallowing problems: This condition can make eating difficult and may increase the risk of subsequent infections.
• Speech problems: Changes in the tongue, lips, and other parts of the mouth can affect speech.

Radiotherapy

Side effects of radiation therapy for oral cancer may include the following:

• tooth decay
• Formation of ulcers in the mouth
• Bleeding gums
• jaw stiffness
• Extremely tired feeling
• Skin reactions such as burns
• Carotid artery stenosis, which is often caused by radiation therapy and can lead to cardiovascular problems.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells, but sometimes these drugs can also damage healthy tissues.. These drugs can lead to severe side effects.

These side effects may include the following:

• Severe fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
Weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of infection

These effects usually disappear after the person finishes treatment.

Target treatment

Side effects of target therapy include skin rash, itching, headache, diarrhea and infection.

A person may experience depression, irritability, hopelessness and anxiety after oral cancer treatment.

Is oral cancer fatal?

Yes, if oral cancer is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can be fatal.

Useful food items

You can include the following foods in your diet...these foods will help you feel better as you fight oral cancer.

Read more: Who is an ear, nose and throat specialist?

Types of berries

Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and other berries have long been widely used for their overall health benefits. In addition to antioxidants and vitamins, research has shown that berries contain an oral cancer-fighting compound called ellagic acid. This phytonutrient helps slow the growth of cancer cells and keeps the liver healthy.

Treatment of oral cancer with fish consumption

Some doctors and researchers have stated that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D (such as salmon and tuna) have disease-preventive properties. Adding fish to your diet can prevent cancer and periodontal disease, which greatly reduces the risk of oral cancer.

Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage

These foods, which are from the cabbage family, are also called "cruciferous vegetables". All of these cabbages are an excellent choice for preventing oral cancer.. According to the American Cancer Research Center, these vegetables slow down the growth of cancer cells and generally prevent the formation of cancer.

Treatment of oral cancer with citrus fruit

According to studies, people who take vitamin C supplements have a 24% lower risk of developing oral cancer. Although supplements are good, it is better to get vitamin C naturally from fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.

Compounds have many properties that can help fight diseases such as cancer....Citrus contains terpenes that can affect the progression of the cell cycle....Just be careful that oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits should be consumed in moderation, as they can damage teeth if consumed in excess due to their high acid levels>...

Using citrus fruits in desserts is great because it helps eliminate food odors and bad breath. The mouth helps Slow.... This feature is due to the presence of high amounts of vitamin C in these fruits.

Olive oil

Recent reports have shown that olive oil has a very effective function in destroying cancer cells... In addition, when it comes to the effect of diet in preventing oral cancer, not only what you eat is important, but also how you prepare food is very important... So it is recommended to use less frying and grilling processes and use more boiling, steaming and baking methods for food preparation.>

The properties of olive oil are not limited to fighting all types of cancer.... Olive oil also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and osteoporosis.... In addition, it can prevent strokes and slow the aging process.... So, it is not surprising that some of the oldest cultures used olive oil in cooking.

Herbal and home remedies for oral cancer

Some spices and herbs help to a great extent in preventing the occurrence of oral cancer and treating its symptoms... including:

Treatment of oral cancer with turmeric

Curcumin present in turmeric has caused this spice to have a yellow color.... Curcumin is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories that have been identified so far.... Cancerous tumors have a network of blood vessels that are responsible for feeding the tumor.... Curcumin can stop the function of these blood vessels and destroy cancer cells.... To activate the properties of coumarin, you can use a combination of blood vessels.. oil.... plus you can use it on chicken or even vegetables, or add a teaspoon or two of turmeric to soups, sauces or stews.

Green tea

Green tea has unique antioxidant properties.... to benefit from these properties, drink 2 cups of green tea daily.... Green tea helps to fight oral cancer and relieve some of the symptoms of this cancer.

Treatment of oral cancer with coriander

Coriander seeds heal mouth ulcers and reduce the risk of palate cancer..

To benefit from the properties of this plant, crush 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds and boil them in a liter of water....then strain it and let it cool....use it as a mouthwash 3 to 4 times a day.

Read more: Symptoms, causes and ways to treat sore throat

Holy basil

Holy basil is rich in antioxidants.... In addition, it helps detoxify the body.... Some studies have shown that holy basil can protect the body from toxic chemicals.... This herb also prevents cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells.

To benefit from the properties of basil, you can chew 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves every day...or boil 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves in some water...then strain and consume regularly.

The effect of neem in the treatment of oral cancer

Some studies have shown that neem plant products (such as the leaf extract of this plant) have the following effects on oral cancer cells:

• Inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
• causes the death of cancer cells (apoptosis process or programmed cell death)
• Prevents the activation of cancer cells.
• Accelerates the process of cleaning cancer cells.
• Prevents cancer cells from attacking other parts of the body.

Ginger

It has been found in laboratory studies that ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.... Ginger can also reduce nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy... But in any case, do not use ginger before or after surgery because ginger increases bleeding... For this reason, patients with low blood platelet counts should avoid using it.

Aloe Vera

A 2011 study showed that taking aloe vera during chemotherapy can help prevent mouth ulcers in some patients.

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Source: Healthline