All You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious condition that affects the mouth and throat and can have devastating effects on an individual's health and quality of life. It is the most common cancer in India amongst men (11.28% of all cancers), and the fifth most frequently occurring cancer among women (4.3% of all cancers).(1) Early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery, so it is important to be informed about the different types of oral cancers, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures.

Types of Oral Cancer

1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for about 90% of all oral cancers. It affects the thin, flat cells that line the mouth, tongue, and lips. With this type of oral cancer, the mouth and throat surfaces look flat and like fish scales because they are lined with squamous cells.
2. Adenocarcinoma: This type of oral cancer affects the glands that produce saliva in the mouth.
3. Sarcoma: This type of oral cancer affects the connective tissues, such as the jawbone or the soft tissues of the mouth.
4. Melanoma: This type of oral cancer affects the pigment-producing cells in the mouth and is less common than other types of oral cancer.
5. Lymphoma: This type of oral cancer develops in the lymph tissue in the base of the tongue and tonsils. The lymph tissue is part of the immune system and this type of cancer develops enlarged lymph nodes.

Causes of Oral Cancer

1. Tobacco use: Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is the leading cause of oral cancer.
2. Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
3. Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV have been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer.
4. Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
5. Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of developing oral cancer on the lips.
6. Poor diet: Not eating enough fruits/vegetables have been linked with oral cancer.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

1. Sores or irritation in the mouth that does not go away and lasts longer than two weeks
2. Pain or difficulty swallowing
3. Lumps or growths in the mouth or lymph nodes
4. White or red patches in the mouth
5. Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit properly
6. Changes in the way the jaw moves or sounds; difficulty in moving your mouth when swallowing, chewing, speaking etc.
7. Feelings of numbness in the mouth, neck, and face along with pain, and/or tenderness
8. There are nerves in the neck and head that are crisscrossed. Because of this, you feel the pain in your ears
9. The sores/tumours synthesise proteins differently which causes persistent bad breath
10. Difficulty in jaw movement could make it hard to eat/swallow which could cause weight loss

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

1. Tobacco use: Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is the leading risk factor for oral cancer.
2. Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
3. Age: The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age.
4. Gender: Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
5. Family history: A family history of oral cancer can increase an individual's risk of developing the condition.

Preventive Measures for Oral Cancer

1. Quit tobacco use: Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
2. Limit alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
3. Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
4. Use sun protection: Wearing a hat or using a lip balm with SPF can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer on the lips.
5. Get regular check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help detect oral cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Conclusion

Mouth cancer can be pretty hard to detect and the risks of contracting it increase significantly with age. It is important to avoid substances such as tobacco and alcohol which are known to be carcinogenic. 

Commercial toothpastes often contain several known carcinogens such as SLS, titanium dioxide etc. Most leading mouthwashes contain alcohol. At Daybreak, we believe that a healthy oral care routine comprises products that are free from all harsh chemicals. The Daybreak toothpaste fights bad breath, repairs the enamel, and naturally enhances your smile’s radiance. The Daybreak mouthwash soothes inflammation of the gums, eliminates halitosis and promotes a healthy microbiome.

Add these products to your mouth care routine for better mouth hygiene!