Cancer of the Mouth
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with about 75% of oral cancer cases, caused by irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth from smoke and heat of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Tobacco contains over 19 known carcinogens, and the combustion of it, and by products from this process, is the primary mode of involvement. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes.
An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows a visible andor palpable (can be felt) lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area. As the tumor enlarges, it may become an ulcer and bleed. Speechtalking difficulties, chewing problems, or swallowing difficulties may develop, particularly if the cancer is on the tongue. While a dentist, physician or other medical professional may suspect a particular lesion is malignant, the only definitive method for determining this is through biopsy and microscopic evaluation of the cells in the removed sample. A tissue biopsy, whether of the tongue or other oral tissues, and microscopic examination of the lesion confirm the diagnosis of oral cancer.
Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough, and if surgery is likely to result in a functionally satisfactory result. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery, or as the definitive radical treatment, especially if the tumor is inoperable. Chemotherapy is commonly used for more advanced tumors, often in combination with radiotherapy and surgery. Biological agents, such as Cetuximab have recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of squamous cell head and neck cancers, and are likely to have an increasing role in the future management of this condition.
Given the vital nature of the structures in the head and neck area, surgery for larger cancers is technically demanding. Reconstructive surgery may be required in order to give the patient an acceptable cosmetic and functional result. Bone grafts and surgical flaps such as the radial forearm flap are, used to help rebuild the structures removed during excision of the cancer.
Survival rates for oral cancer depend on the precise site, and the stage of the cancer. Overall, survival is around 50% at five years when all stages of initial diagnosis are considered. Survival rates for stage 1 cancers are 90%. This is why there is emphasis on early detection in order to increase the survival outcome of patients.
Tags: cancer of the mouth, health care provider, known carcinogens, mouth cancer, neck cancers, oral cancer, oral tissues, pipes tobacco, surgical excision, tissue biopsy