Sometimes, reconstructive surgery may also be necessary. Treatment options include radiation therapy, which destroy the DNA of tumor cells, and surgery. External beam radiation involves using a radiation beam to target the area affected. Brachytherapy involves using radioactive needles to deliver radiation to the mouth. Brachytherapy is used for early-stage tongue cancer.
While there are no sure-fire ways to determine if you have mouth cancer, early detection is vital to surviving it. Visit a doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your mouth. If an ulcer persists for more than three weeks, or you notice any lumps in your neck or jaw area, make an appointment with your dentist. Remember, early diagnosis saves lives! So, keep these signs in mind and get checked at the first sign of any symptoms.
Using tobacco products and excessive alcohol use are two of the most common risk factors for mouth cancer. People who are more exposed to the sun without lip protection are also at higher risk. Smokers have higher rates of mouth cancer than those who do not. Sun exposure and tanning bed use can also increase the risk of developing lip cancer. Early diagnosis with a dentist is crucial to successful treatment. Unfortunately, primary care physicians may miss early warning signs. Fortunately, dentists deal with mouth problems every day and can help diagnose early signs of mouth cancer.
Symptoms of mouth cancer may include an ulcer that is painless or a white or red patch on the mouth. Hoarseness and unusual lumps in the mouth can also be signs of cancer. If you notice an ulcer or any changes in your mouth for three weeks, make an appointment right away. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of the disease and reducing the risk of serious consequences. And remember to stay positive! The sooner you have a mouth cancer diagnosis, the better your chances of survival.
Treatment for mouth cancer can include surgery. In early stage, your doctor may remove the tumour and suggest a course of chemotherapy. Other treatments may follow. For advanced cases of cancer, you may require chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Your doctor may also prescribe palliative care to ease your symptoms. The best treatment options for mouth cancer depend on the stage of the disease. You can learn more about the treatment options by reading a booklet from the Cancer Council.
The most common symptoms of mouth cancer include bright red patches inside the mouth. These are precancerous, but up to 90 percent are cancerous. A dentist can biopsy a symptom to determine the type of cancer. Leukoplakia is a gray-white patch inside the mouth. This type of cancer may be caused by chewing the insides of the lips and cheeks, or by exposure to carcinogenic agents.
