Oral cancer: diagnosis, causes and treatment
Written by:Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth and its appearance is rare. Its diagnosis is usually easy because it is usually visible and, in most cases, is manifested in the form of ulcers.
Experts say that oral cancer is a rare variant that can occur anywhere in the oral cavity: tongue or under it, palate, cheeks, gums, lips or other areas.
Diagnosis of oral cancer
This type of cancer has a peculiarity regarding other cancers that occur in other organs and is that in most cases is visible. This makes work easier, since they are not necessary special or complex tests explorations. Diagnosis, therefore, is done only with open mouth. This should force the patient to attend to the problem specialist Maxillofacial Surgery in very early stages, but sometimes out of fear or other factors, not the case.
Symptoms of oral cancer
The first to note the patient is pain that usually is accompanied by a permanent ulcer that grows progressively. On other occasions, the first manifestation is a lump or swelling, which persists and is growing.
Every patient presenting with swelling or ulceration in the form of mouth sore that does not go away within 15 days and that, on the contrary, increases in size, you should consult a specialist.
Causes of oral cancer
As with other cancers, there is no clear cause, but it is true that in our society, is usually associated with alcohol consumption or smoking. Currently, it is also considered to cause papillomaviruses. However, many patients who can not pinpoint an obvious cause.
Oral Cancer Treatments
Treatments depend on the location and extent of tumor. They range from small interventions in the most favorable cases, to complex surgical procedures, which sometimes require interventions of more than eight hours, after which must be associated radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
As in all cases, prevention is better. Just open your mouth.
Edited by Roser Berner Ubasos.
