Understanding Oral or Mouth Cancer: Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention

Oral or Mouth Cancer Overview

What is Mouth Cancer?

Mouth, or oral cavity, cancer affects various parts of the mouth including the lips, the front two-thirds of the tongue, gums, inner cheeks and lips, the floor of the mouth, the hard palate, the bony ridges holding the teeth sockets, and the area of gum behind the wisdom teeth.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in the head or neck regions of the body. These cancers are named and treated based on the tumor's location or the area where the cancer originated. They can occur in various parts, including:

• Mouth (Oral Cavity)
• Middle Part of the Throat Near the Mouth (Oropharynx)
• Space Behind the Nose (Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses)
• Upper Part of the Throat Near the Nasal Cavity (Nasopharynx)
• Voice Box (Larynx)
• Lower Part of the Throat Near the Voice Box (Hypopharynx)

Oral Mucosa

The oral mucosa lines the inside of the mouth and lips and consists of two layers:

1. Epithelium: The surface layer with stratified squamous cells, which are thin and flat.
2. Lamina Propria: The bottom layer of connective tissue.

A tumor can grow through these layers, and the measure of how deep it has grown is called the depth of invasion (DOI). The type of epithelium varies by region; nonkeratinized squamous epithelium covers softer areas like the soft palate, inner lips, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, and underneath the tongue. Keratinized squamous epithelium is found on rough surfaces like the gums, hard palate, and the top of the tongue.

How to Screen Yourself for Oral Cancer ?

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer or oral cavity cancer, occurs inside the mouth. It is part of a broader category called head and neck cancers, which often share similar treatments. Mouth cancer originates in the squamous cells that form the mouth's surface lining. These cells are thin and flat, similar to those on the skin's surface and lining parts of the body such as the lungs and esophagus. The most common type of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Mouth cancer can develop in various parts of the mouth, including:

• Lips (Mucosal Lip)
• Gums (Gingiva)
• Lining Inside the Cheeks and Lips (Buccal Mucosa)
• Front Two-Thirds of the Tongue
• Roof of the Mouth (Hard Palate)
• Bony, Raised Areas Holding the Teeth Sockets (Alveolar Ridge)
• Floor of the Mouth (Under the Tongue)
• Small Area of the Gum Behind the Wisdom Teeth (Retromolar Trigone)

What are the Different Types of Oral Cancer in India?

The oral cavity, which includes the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, inner lining of the cheeks and lips, roof of the mouth, and throat, is the first part of the digestive tract.

Mouth cancer is categorized based on the type of cells where the cancer originates. The main types are:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most prevalent form of mouth cancer in India, accounting for 9 out of 10 cases. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales, found in various parts of the body, including the mouth and skin. Early detection is crucial as treatment costs for squamous cell carcinoma in India, though lower than in the UK, USA, or Singapore, can increase significantly if diagnosed late.
• Sarcomas: These cancers develop from abnormalities in the bone, muscle, tissue, or cartilage around the tongue, gum, and jawbone.
• Lymphomas: These cancers arise in the lymph tissue, an essential part of the immune system. Lymphoid tissue is also found at the base of the tongue and in the tonsils.
• Oral Malignant Melanomas: These cancers originate in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin pigment. While melanomas typically develop in the skin, they can also occur on mucosal surfaces.
• Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas: This category includes various types of oral cancer that can develop in the minor salivary glands located throughout the lining of the mouth and throat.

Causes of Oral Cancer

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Poor oral hygiene
• Family history of oral cancer
• Chronic sun exposure (lip cancer)

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• Persistent mouth sore or ulcer
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Swelling in the jaw
• Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer

Physical Examination: Inspection of the mouth, throat, and neck for abnormalities.

Biopsy:Removal of tissue for laboratory analysis to confirm cancer

Imaging Tests:

• X-rays
• CT scans (Computed Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography)

Get more details Oral or Mouth Cancer Diagnosis (Tests) and Cost in India

Prevention of Oral Cancer

Avoid Tobacco: Refrain from smoking and chewing tobacco.

Limit Alcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation.

Protect Lips from Sun: Use lip balm with SPF. Wear hats to shield lips from excessive sun exposure.

Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine dental exams can help detect early signs of oral cancer.

HPV Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV can reduce the risk of HPV-related oral cancers.

Discover the Best Oncologists and Cancer Hospitals in India

When it comes to cancer treatment, finding the right specialist and hospital can make a significant difference in the outcome. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the top oncologists and cancer hospitals across major cities in India, ensuring that you have access to the best care available.

Top Oncologists in Major Cities

For those seeking expert oncologists, we have identified the best specialists in key cities:

• Best Oncologist in Delhi
• Best Oncologist in Mumbai
• Best Oncologist In India

Leading Cancer Hospitals

In addition to finding the right specialist, choosing the right hospital is crucial for comprehensive cancer care. Here are the top hospitals in major cities:

• Top 5 Cancer Hospitals in Mumbai
• Top 5 Cancer Hospitals in Delhi
• Top 10 Cancer Hospitals in India

Conclusion

Finding the right oncologist and hospital is the first step in your cancer treatment journey. Explore the links above to learn more about the top specialists and hospitals in your area.