A variety of symptoms can indicate a mouth cancer diagnosis, including a white or red patch, numbness, pain, and swelling. Symptoms of mouth cancer may also include chronic sore throat, the sensation of something stuck in the throat, or lumps. The cancer may also be caused by sun exposure, and treatment for mouth cancer depends on the type of cancer. Read on for more information on the symptoms and signs of mouth cancer.
Early stage mouth cancer is likely to be treated with surgery to remove the tumor and healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. Sometimes, radiation therapy is required to help shrink the cancer. It destroys the DNA in cancer cells, destroying their ability to reproduce. Although mouth cancer is highly curable, the treatment process may involve several steps, including radiation and surgery. It’s important to make a list of questions before your appointment to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the entire process.
The most common symptoms of mouth cancer include pain, bleeding, and white patches. However, the appearance of the tumor may be more serious than it first seems. Mouth cancer can start on any part of the mouth. If left untreated, it may spread to the head and neck. It’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible, especially if you notice any new symptoms. Your doctor will be able to decide which treatment option is the best fit for your particular case.
The first step in the diagnosis of mouth cancer is to determine its stage. The stage is a description of the cancer’s location, growth, and penetration of the skin. Depending on the stage, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body, and the treatment for it will vary accordingly. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may require chemotherapy or surgery. In the case of oral cancer, doctors are learning more about a link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.
People should perform a self-examination of the mouth on a monthly basis. A bright light will help them see suspicious areas. The front of the gums, the roof of the mouth, and voice box may all be examined with a bright light. The tongue is also pulled out to inspect all surfaces. The back of the throat may also be checked for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes. If these areas are affected by mouth cancer, treatment may vary.
Noncancerous lesions in the mouth are called leukoplakia and erythroplakia. They are white or red patches that are slightly raised and may bleed when scraped. Sometimes, these lesions don’t cause pain, but it is important to consult a doctor if you notice any abnormal growths. A biopsy may be necessary to determine if your lesion is indeed cancerous. Most of the time, noncancerous lesions are harmless, but it is important to determine if you have a lesion before it spreads.
