Oral Cancer and Tobacco: Treatments, Diagnosis & Prevention

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the oral cavity. It is one of the most common cancers in the world, with more than 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths each year. Tobacco use is the main risk factor for oral cancer and teeth cancer, as it exposes the oral tissues to harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA and cause mutations. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral cancer, and how quitting tobacco can reduce the risk of early stage of oral cancer which includes smoking tongue cancer and other related diseases.

What are the symptoms and signs of oral cancer?

Oral cancer can cause various symptoms and signs, depending on the location and size of the tumour. Oral cancer including mouth cancer early symptoms are:

A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal

A lump or swelling in the mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck

A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the tongue or jaw

Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth or lips

Loose teeth or dentures that do not fit well

A change in voice or hoarseness

Weight loss or fatigue

Ear pain or hearing problems

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor and book an appointment as soon as possible. Early stage cheek mouth cancer detection and tongue cancer  treatment can improve the chances of survival and recovery. 

How is oral cancer diagnosed and staged?

To diagnose oral cancer, your doctor will examine your mouth and ask you about your medical history, tobacco use, and other risk factors. They may also perform some tests, such as:

A biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area and examining it under a microscope

An endoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera into the mouth or throat to look for abnormal growths

An imaging test, such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, which can show the extent and spread of the cancer leading to early stage tongue cancer

A blood test, which can check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other condition, so you could kickstart tongue cancer treatment

Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will determine the stage of your oral cancer, which indicates how advanced and aggressive it is. The stages range from 0 to 4, with higher numbers indicating more extensive and widespread disease. The stage of oral cancer affects the prognosis and the choice of treatment.

What are the treatment options for oral cancer?

The treatment options for oral cancer depend on the stage, place, type, and size of the tumour, as well as your overall health and preferences. The main goals of treatment are to remove the cancer, prevent it from spreading, and relieve the symptoms. The common treatment options are:

Surgery, which involves removing the tumour and some of the surrounding healthy tissue, and sometimes the lymph nodes in the neck. Surgery may also be done to reconstruct the mouth or face after the removal of the cancer.

Radiation therapy, which involves using high-energy rays or particles to kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. Radiation therapy can be given externally or internally, and may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy, which involves using drugs to kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously, or directly into the tumour, and may be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy, which involves using drugs that target specific molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and survival of the cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be given orally, intravenously, or directly into the tumour, and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Immunotherapy, which involves using drugs that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be given intravenously or directly into the tumour, and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

The treatment of oral cancer can cause side effects, such as pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin changes, fatigue, and infertility. Your doctor will monitor your condition and provide supportive care to help you cope with the side effects.

How can oral cancer be prevented or reduced?

The best way to prevent or reduce the risk of oral cancer is to quit tobacco use. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is responsible for about one-third of oral cancer cases worldwide. Tobacco use can also make the treatment of oral cancer less effective and increase the chances of recurrence. Quitting tobacco can have many benefits for your oral and overall health, such as:

Improving your breath, taste, and smell

Reducing your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss

Lowering your blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels

Enhancing your immune system and wound healing

Saving your money and time

Quitting tobacco can be hard, but it is possible with the right support and motivation or you may be diagnosed with smoking tongue cancer. You can ask your doctor for advice on the best methods and resources to help you quit, such as nicotine replacement products, medications, counselling, or online programs. You can also seek support from your family, friends, or other people who are trying to quit.

Other ways to prevent or reduce the risk of oral cancer are to:

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it can also increase the risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use

Maintain good oral hygiene, by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning

Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in fat, sugar, and salt

Protect your lips from the sun, by using a lip balm with SPF and wearing a hat or a scarf

Avoid exposure to HPV, a virus that can cause some types of oral cancer, by practising safe sex and getting vaccinated if eligible

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, and see your doctor if you notice any changes or problems in your mouth

Conclusion

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, but it is largely preventable by quitting tobacco use. If you are a tobacco user, you should make a plan to quit as soon as possible, and seek help from your doctor or other sources. If you are not a tobacco user, you should avoid starting or being exposed to tobacco smoke. You should also take care of your oral health, eat well, and protect yourself from the sun and HPV. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of oral cancer and improve your quality of life.

Oral cancer is not a rare or insignificant disease. It is one of the most common cancers in the world, and early stage cheek mouth cancer detection in India has the highest burden of this disease. The table below shows some of the global and national statistics of oral cancer, based on the data from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Source: https://www.who.int/news/item/29-11-2023-comprehensive-assessment-of-evidence-on-oral-cancer-prevention-released-29-november-2023?ssp=1&setlang=en&cc=IN&safesearch=moderate 

These numbers show the urgency and importance of raising awareness and taking action against oral cancer. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in the outcome and recovery. Fortis Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in India that offers comprehensive and advanced care for oral cancer patients. You can visit their website or call their toll-free number to book an appointment or learn more about their services. Don’t let oral cancer take away your smile and your life. Contact Fortis Hospital today and get the best treatment possible.