Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the cancerous cells within the mouth. This method can be painful and can weaken the immune system, making patients susceptible to infection. On the other hand, chemotherapy can help slow the progression of some types of mouth cancer.
A dentist can detect the early stages of mouth cancer. This may include white patches in the mouth called leukoplakia or red lines on the tongue called oral lichen planus. These lesions are often precancerous and should be closely monitored by a dentist to identify early symptoms. Various types of tests are available to detect a person’s oral cancer, including x-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
Acupuncture is another form of treatment for mouth cancer. Acupuncturists place thin needles in specific body points to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. Some acupuncturists are specially trained to treat cancer patients. Before choosing a treatment option, patients should learn as much as possible. A list of questions to ask during the next visit can be a valuable tool. If possible, bring a tape recorder. Ask your doctor about trusted sources of information on cancer.
Symptoms of mouth cancer include pain, swelling, and ulcers. Surgical treatment may involve removing the tumor and the surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery may also affect the patient’s ability to talk or eat. Radiation therapy may be another treatment option. This treatment will target tumor cells’ DNA and stop them from reproducing. As long as the tumor is detected early, it should be curable. However, radiation treatment may have side effects, such as causing the cancer to spread.
As with most cancers, the incidence of oral cancer increases with age. In the UK, around 6% of all cases are diagnosed in people under 45 years of age. However, there is some evidence to suggest that the incidence of this disease has increased among younger people. It is also known to be more common in men than women in most countries. Alcohol consumption and high smoking rates are also linked to increased risk for developing this disease. There is no definitive cause for the increased risk of mouth cancer, but prevention is the key.
Surgery can remove the cancer and healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. In advanced cases, the jawbone may have to be removed, and the remaining gums and skin may be replaced with artificial ones. While surgery does not cause permanent damage, it does affect the patient’s appearance, ability to speak, and eat. Surgical treatments are not without risks, and the choice will depend on the type of mouth cancer. If you’re concerned about the risks of surgery, it is important to speak to your doctor and make an informed decision.
Another type of mouth cancer is lip cancer. Lip cancer can be both a type of oral cancer and a form of skin cancer. Depending on where it develops, it’s best to treat it as oral cancer. Early detection of lip cancer can improve your outlook. If detected early, lip cancer can be treated surgically without radiation or chemotherapy. However, once it has spread to other parts of the body, treatment will be much more complicated.
