Types Of Oral Cancer And Treatment Options

Medical bibliography defines cancer as a medical condition that arises due to the uncontrolled division of cells in the human body which in turn causes tissues to invade other parts of the body. Invasion of tissues is processed through the blood stream as well as the lymphatic network. Mutations in DNA as well as in the cells of the body are also causes for cancer.

There are many people in the world that are affected by oral cancer and the numbers keep on increasing on a daily basis. Oral cancer is seen in the oral orifice and is life threatening like all other cancers if not treated properly. Oral cancer can start due to sores or swelling that generally spread to other parts of the mouth through the salivary glands, mucosa membranes as well as the lymphoid cells.

Depending on the way the cancer proliferates it is classified into the following three segments.

Melanoma: this type of cancer occurs when oral mucosa pigment cells show characteristic mutations and other abnormal behavior.

Teratoma: this type of cancer arises due to abnormal histology of the oral tissues.

Adenocarcinoma: this type of cancer arises due to abnormal changes and behavior of the salivary as well as the tonsillar glands.

Causes of oral cancer as follows:

- Tobacco is the general cause for all the cases of oral cancer that are seen in the world today, and just like with lung cancer this is staggering. There are nearly 75% of the people who are affected with cancer due to smoking and oral consumption or chewing of tobacco. Tobacco has nearly 20 carcinogens and is very harmful to the oral tissues when it is burnt or chewed.

- Drinking also causes cancer. Those who are heavy drinkers increase their risk of getting cancer considerably as the alcohol has a complimentary effect on the health of the individual which results into bad symptoms especially if the individual smokes and drinks. The risk increase in such cases is about 15 times greater.

- HPV virus is also known to cause cancers in individuals.

- Exposure to the sun for long periods may increase a person's risk of lip cancer to a considerable level. Surveys and medical studies have shown that a diet consisting of fewer amounts of fruits and green vegetables poses a higher risk for development of cancer.

The symptoms of oral cancer in the way they appear as listed as below:

- Breaks in the skin and tissues that surround the oral cavity as well as in the oral cavity.

- White patches as well as red patches that are seen in the mouth and one the tongue.

- Burning sensation that signifies the onset of the growth of a tumor.

- Difficulty in swallowing and the appearance of lumps and swelling below the chin and the jaws are characteristic signs in the later stages.

- Loose teeth and pain in the gums that does not go away after a long time are also symptoms of the onset of oral cancer.

Treatment options are varied and they range from chemotherapy to surgery depending on the severity of the condition.