What is Oral Cancer?
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the world and is classified as a group of malignant tumors that occur in the oral cavity, lips, and/or throat, including the tonsils and pharynx. The most frequent locations are the floor of the mouth (mucosa under the tongue), lateral border of the tongue, and soft palate.
Oral cancer most commonly occurs in men after the 4th decade of life, and tobacco consumption is the primary causal factor for oral cancer, especially when combined with excessive alcohol consumption.
Approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer have a history of smoking. Therefore, smokers have a 5 to 7 times higher risk of developing this condition compared to non-smokers.
Late diagnosis is largely responsible for the high mortality rate. About 6 in every 10 patients die within 5 years of their diagnosis. However, with early detection and timely and appropriate treatment, the 5-year survival rate can increase.
It is important to be aware and know that oral cancer can manifest in different forms, such as white or red patches, hardened masses, ulcers, or persistent nodules, dental mobility, pain, paresthesia (loss of sensitivity), difficulty or pain when chewing and/or swallowing, bad breath, speech problems, tissue growth areas, enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), among other signs and symptoms. Most lesions are painless initially, becoming progressively painful.
The treatment for oral cancer is carried out with surgery and/or radiotherapy, and the earlier it is detected, the simpler and quicker the recovery will be. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct an appropriate diagnosis through a visual examination and palpation of the oral and adjacent (perioral) structures, along with complementary exams such as radiographs, CT scans, among others. In inconclusive cases, a biopsy of the lesion is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Many of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer are common to other diseases, so it is essential to report them to your family doctor and/or dentist.
The key to treatment is early diagnosis, so screen for and prevent oral cancer. And how to do it? Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Written by Raquel Brandão Carvalho
