Advances in radiotherapy and surgery have increased cure rates. About six out of ten people diagnosed with the disease survive five years or more without the disease coming back. Some people can even live much longer. However, there are still certain risks associated with the various treatments. These risks and the length of time patients can expect to live after treatment are discussed with their doctors. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on treatment for mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer is typically diagnosed in older people. The most common risk factor is smoking and alcohol, especially in men. However, people of all ages can develop the disease. Men are three times more likely to develop mouth cancer than women. Mouth cancer is curable if caught early. Some symptoms may not indicate that mouth cancer is present, but they are signs of a potentially serious condition. Regular dental checkups are recommended to detect the disease early, when it can be treated.
A dental team can detect early symptoms of mouth cancer, such as sores that don’t heal, or pain in the mouth. Early detection can help patients save their lives and avoid the risk of the cancer returning. However, mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinuses. It is best to see a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
Mouth cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. A dentist can perform a biopsy to detect the type of cancer in the mouth. A biopsy involves removing a sample of abnormal tissue from the mouth and sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. Once the diagnosis is made, the dentist can develop a treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This treatment plan may be dependent on the severity of the condition.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as early detection improves the chances of survival. If the cancer is caught early, the outlook for treatment is very good. There are other symptoms that may indicate the need for a biopsy or surgery. But if it’s detected late, the treatment may be more complicated. If your mouth is inflamed or painful, you should see a dentist or a doctor.
Treatment for mouth cancer focuses on controlling the cancer’s spread and growth. In some cases, it can improve quality of life and ease symptoms. Some treatments, such as surgery, may not be successful, and your doctor may prescribe painkillers and other medications. It’s important to note that surgery alone won’t cure the disease, but the goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and give you some peace of mind. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you can also ask your doctor about the availability of a specialist.
The majority of mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which grow in squamous cells. Salivary gland cancers are typically adenomas. Sun exposure may also cause lip cancer. Depending on the type of cancer you have, symptoms may take up to two weeks to show up. For example, a white or red patch in the mouth may indicate cancer. This cancer is best detected with a biopsy.
