According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cavity cancer is head and neck cancer originating from the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can present anywhere in the mouth, like on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and at the back of the throat. “Early detection is of extreme importance since if it is left untreated, the disease may spread to other parts of the body,” Dr Thakwani warned.

If detected early, oral cavity cancer symptoms could easily be treated. Dr Thakwani explained that the common signs include:

“If you encounter any of the symptoms, seek a health provider for evaluation as soon as possible,” Dr Thakwani highlighted.

Oral cavity cancer develops from the alteration of DNA within oral cavity cells to cause malignant growth. Many risk factors exist with this illness. These may include:

Tobacco use increases risk through cigarette smoking, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco products. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes, especially in association with tobacco use.

HPV infection is also known to be a causative agent of oral cancers. HPV-16 is considered one of the strains most often associated with the disease.

The harmful UV rays of the sun are very bad for our skin and overall health. Without protection on the lips, there is increased sun exposure that can cause lip cancer.

Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in determining if or not you are susceptible to cavities which can turn or lead to cancer. 

A healthy diet is truly the foundation of our health. A diet lacking fruits and vegetables increases the likelihood of developing cancer since the body doesn't have enough strength to fight the cancer-developing cells.

The peak incidence of oral cavity cancer is found among men above 40 years of age, who may or may not be in the habit of chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.

Prevention of oral cavity cancer is attained through a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene. Some expert-approved effective measures are as follows:

First things first, if you smoke or have alcohol daily, you are more prone to this type of cancer. Hence, Dr Thakwani shared that hence the intake should be stopped and minimised as much as possible to decrease the risk.

Use lip balms with SPF and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Dermatologists suggest reapplying every two hours.

Maintain the habit of brushing and flossing twice a day, and schedule routine dental checkups. 

Vaccination against HPV can reduce the risk of HPV-related oral cancers. Hence, if you are below the age of 27 years, make sure to get vaccinated today.

Make sure to incorporate a balanced diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, that will help build your immune system to fight the viruses.

Check your mouth for any unusual changes and report them to a healthcare provider.

“The treatment for oral cavity cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumour, as well as the patient's general health,” Dr Thakwani shared. However, common treatment methods include:

Removal of the tumour and, if necessary, nearby lymph nodes.

High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells.

Drugs are administered to kill or inhibit cancer cells.

Medications that specifically attack cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.

Speech therapy, dietary counselling, and emotional support are critical in recovery.

Oral cavity cancer is also a disease that can be prevented and treated if diagnosis occurs early. This can be only achieved by understanding the symptoms correcting the risk factors and developing a healthy oral health lifestyle. Preventive checkups and self-inspections play a major role in early detection and effective treatment. Take charge of your health today. When you notice something unusual, visit a healthcare provider immediately.