If you are worried that you might have mouth cancer, don’t be. While many cases of mouth cancer are pre-cancerous, some may progress to invasive cancer. There are two types of oral cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cells form the lining of the mouth and throat. The early stage of squamous cell cancer is called carcinoma in situ. During this stage, the cancer cells are contained within the epithelium. However, invasive squamous cell cancers grow past the epithelium and invade deeper layers of the oral cavity.
A flat, white or red patch or sore may be the first signs of oral cancer. While many symptoms of mouth cancer are harmless, you should visit your dentist regularly and tell your dentist about any changes in your mouth. However, this doesn’t mean that you will never develop mouth cancer. By following oral health care advice, you can reduce your chances of developing the disease and enjoy other health benefits as well. If you have been living with it for a long time, it is important to get a checkup.
Treatment options for mouth cancer vary depending on its stage and the type of cancer. Early stage cancer is usually treated with surgery or radiation. If it has spread into lymph glands, lymph nodes in the neck may also have to be removed. Treatment for advanced stage cancer may include a combination of surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, early stage cancer can be cured. If diagnosed early, mouth cancer is easy to treat. If it recurs, the disease will spread to other parts of the body.
In addition to salivary gland cancer, mouth cancer may also be caused by lymphoma, which develops in the lymph glands located in the base of the tongue and tonsils. Although the majority of cases of mouth cancer are harmless, it’s important to know about the different types. The types of mouth cancer and how to detect them are explained in the following paragraphs. So, the next time you see the symptoms of mouth cancer, don’t wait to see a doctor.
Treatment for throat cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. These treatments may involve the removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. Some cancer treatments may even include reconstructive surgery, such as reconstruction. Another option for treatment is radiotherapy, which damages DNA in tumor cells, destroying their ability to reproduce. Some patients may also receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy, while others have no choice but to undergo the treatment. A doctor will be able to advise the best option for their specific case.
While the average survival rate for mouth cancer depends on the type of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the better. A small percentage of those diagnosed with mouth cancer will die from it. But if detected early, it has a fifty percent survival rate. But if detected too late, it carries a mortality rate of ten percent. So, it is important to talk to a dentist about oral cancer to get early detection. This will prevent many unnecessary deaths and improve the chances of a successful treatment.
