Symptoms and Causes of Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer starts as a persistent growth or sore in the mouth. Cancers of the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, sinuses, hard and soft palate, and throat are all examples of this type of cancer. If not recognised and treated promptly, it can be fatal. Oral cancer is significantly easier to treat when it is detected early. However, most patients are diagnosed after their ailment is too advanced to be adequately treated. If you see your dentist or doctor regularly and learn how to recognise abnormal changes, you will have a far greater chance of receiving an early diagnosis. Consulting the Ayurvedic doctors at Punarajan Ayurveda can help you plan a personalised treatment approach. From counselling to curating a proper diet, this is one of the best cancer treatment hospitals to enhance one’s healing journey.

Overview of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer poses a significant and potentially life-threatening risk worldwide. It is crucial to thoroughly understand its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. This condition involves abnormal cell growth in the oral cavity, impacting areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and mouth’s roof or floor. Classified under head and neck cancer, it is the leading cancer among Indian men (11.28% of all cases) and the sixth most prevalent among women (4.3%). In many parts of India, it has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.

Common Oral Cancer Symptoms

The commonly found oral cancer symptoms include:

  • Swelling, lump, rough spots on the lips, cheeks, gums, or other mouth areas.
  • Velvety red, white, or speckled patches occur inside the mouth.
  • Sudden mouth bleeding
  • Numbness, tenderness, loss of taste, pain in the mouth, facial region, neck, etc.
  • Soreness in the neck, mouth, and face leads to bleeding that doesn’t heal quickly.
  • Soreness in the throat causes a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, and restricted jaw movement.
  • Chronic soreness in the throat causes hoarseness and voice change.
  • Pain in the ear, jaw, or swelling.
  • Drastic weight loss

Underlying Causes

Mouth cancers develop when cells in the lips or oral cavity undergo mutations in their DNA, disrupting the standard instructions for cellular activity. These mutations prompt abnormal cells to grow and divide, forming a tumour persistently. Over time, these cancerous cells may extend within the mouth and progress to affect other regions of the head, neck, or other parts of the body.

Role of Ayurveda in Oral Cancer

Typically, oral cancer is treated similarly to other cancers, employing surgery followed by radiation therapy. Patients undergoing radiation therapy often contend with various side effects. A recent breakthrough in Ayurveda offers potential relief for cancer patients. Ayurvedic treatment for mouth cancer focuses on blood and cancer cell detoxification, coupled with immune system fortification to enhance immunity cell growth. Numerous Ayurvedic treatments curated by the doctors at Punarjan Ayurveda for mouth cancer aim to alleviate the considerable pain associated with radiation therapy for oral cancer.

Holistic Approach at Punarjan Ayurveda

Punarjan Ayurveda Cancer Hospital treats oral cancer holistically, combining ancient Ayurvedic principles with contemporary medical procedures and Rasayana Ayurveda. Personalised Ayurvedic therapies, dietary changes, yoga, and psychological support are all part of patient-centered therapy. This holistic approach not only treats physical symptoms but also addresses clients’ emotional and mental well-being, providing a balanced and sustainable road to oral cancer recovery.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

Prioritise a healthy diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals if you have oral cancer. Include soft, easy-to-chew meals in your diet and remain hydrated. Adopt a stress-relieving lifestyle that includes regular exercise and enough sleep and avoid spicy foods, smoking, alcohol etc. Consult a healthcare practitioner for tailored guidance incorporating Ayurvedic concepts for total well-being. Doctors at Punarjan Ayurveda can help to personalise a proper and nutritious diet for the wellbeing of the patients.

Prevention and Early Detection

Timely identification of oral cancer substantially enhances treatment success and survival rates. Routine dental examinations and oral cancer screenings are pivotal in early detection. Mitigating the risk of oral cancer involves adhering to preventive measures, including:

  • Steering clear of all forms of tobacco products
  • Moderating alcohol intake
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene practices
  • Safeguarding against HPV exposure through safe sexual practices
  • Adopting a healthful diet replete with fruits and vegetables and regular exercise fortifies the immune system and diminishes the likelihood of developing various cancers, including oral cancer.

Conclusion

Detecting oral cancer early is crucial for successful treatment. Ensure biannual dental visits and incorporate monthly self-examinations into your routine. Prevention strategies include abstaining from tobacco products. Facing a cancer diagnosis can be daunting, but you need not navigate it alone. Consult healthcare providers for resources to facilitate discussions with friends and family about oral cancer.

What does Stage 1 mouth cancer look like?
During the initial stages, oral cancer typically manifests without significant pain. Abnormal cell growth often presents as flat patches. A canker sore resembles an ulcer, often displaying a central depression. The sore’s center might exhibit white, gray, or yellow hues, while the edges can appear red.
Oral cancers when detected at an early stage can be treated using appropriate methods like surgery. Cancer in its advanced is mostly dangerous.
Detecting oral cancer in its early stages through mouth examinations is crucial. While there’s no standard screening test or program for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, routine oral exams by a dentist, doctor, dental hygienist, or self-examination can often identify pre-cancers and small cancers in these areas at an early and more treatable stage.
During the initial phases, oral cancer typically presents without significant pain. Irregular cell growth often manifests as flat patches. A canker sore resembles an ulcer, typically featuring a central depression. The center of the canker sore may exhibit white, gray, or yellow hues, while the edges may appear red.