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11:05 p.m
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Oral cancer occurs as a result of many causes, including oral cancer, including smoking and heavy drinking, and the disease is also associated with “emerging risk factors, such as human papilloma virus (HPV)”.
According to Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, the devastating impact that oral cancer can have on a person’s life, it can “alter the way a patient speaks, make eating and drinking more difficult, and often alter a person’s physical appearance”.
Carter urges everyone to be “more aware of oral cancer by being able to recognize early warning signs of cancer and to be aware of common causes. Most importantly, if you notice anything unusual, please do not delay and seek help from a general practitioner or dentist.” “.
The National Health Service (NHS) states that oral cancer occurs when a tumor develops on the surface of the tongue or in the inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, lips, or gums.
Tumors can also develop, less commonly, on the glands that secrete saliva, the tonsils and the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that connects the mouth to the trachea.
The main symptoms of oral cancer include:
Painful mouth sores that do not heal even following several weeks
Continuous lumps in the mouth or neck
Loose teeth or cavities that do not heal following extraction
Numbness of the lip or tongue
White or red spots that form on the lining of the mouth or tongue
Speech changes, such as the sudden development of a lisp (a speech impairment in which a person mispronounces whistling letters)
And if a person experiences any of these symptoms and they do not disappear following three weeks, it is advised to visit a general practitioner or dentist, especially if the patient smokes or drinks alcohol regularly, as both are believed to increase the risk of infection.
Oral cancer is treated in three ways: by removing cancerous cells with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
These methods can be tried together to ensure that the cancer does not return and to preserve oral function.
As a precautionary measure, the NHS recommends limiting tobacco and alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes, as well as citrus fruits, olive oil and fish.
It is also advised to have regular dental check-ups to ensure that any potential symptoms are detected early.